News

'Manufacturing too 'uncool' as a career choice' (Vince) Cable told. In a recent article [The Daily Telegraph January 26, 2011 Page B5] the newspaper's report specifically references engineering when it states; 49pc of 7-11 year olds “think it would be boring to be an engineer”. Fortunately we haven't started employing our trainees this young, but with manufacturing having been decimated many years ago, we suspect this is attitude towards manufacturing continues amongst older students too. But why does this general malaise seem to be present? Do this country's mentors take some responsibility, or is it the press (always an easy target), or is it from within the sector itself when we see tomorrow's engineers and cabinetmakers giving the industry a wide berth?

But here at N.E.J. Stevenson we love manufacturing in fact we have been doing our fair share to encourage a change in perceptions amongst our local schools at both state, and independent sectors, and over the months ahead we'll let you know more about the progress of these initiatives.

With the construction industry being one of the hardest hit, it's been a torrid time for many in manufacturing and although our work is in specific niche sectors you may think we've been exempt from its impact, but with liquidations up its easy for hard working businesses to become exposed to mismanagement and malpractice. Fortunately here at N.E.J Stevenson we have continued to do all that we can to work with like-minded businesses and identify profitable work, which allows us to continue serving the needs of our clients and provide a solid foundation for our staff, both now and into the future.

Which brings us on to that factor 'Peace of Mind', something that is less of an issue for many companies during more relaxed and buoyant commercial periods, yet in a recession those companies with budget to spend place this high on their agenda.

Consequently we are always pleased to be able to share our good news stories and the additional work secured during the last week of January has brought in two new orders totalling over £250,000 and a contract extension, bringing the current confirmed order book for 2011 to just over £1.5 million.

One such order is for freestanding bespoke cabinets for a major development in London. Made primarily in mahogany with applied gilt mounts, the ten pieces are due to be delivered in June.

The second includes a number of contemporary designs for one of London's most historic buildings. Our client wished to avoid designs that slavishly replicated the style of the building and instead wanted pieces that met tight functional requirements but also reflected the buildings central role in modern Britain with pieces that looked forward rather than back.

The contract extension which has seen our client extremely pleased with our earlier work has enabled them to order another substantial tranche of work for this major London property. Whilst the previous work has been for completely new rooms and interior panelling, this tranche sees us adding to the existing historic elements and helping to ensure that modern services can be incorporated into the original fabric.

So with the Government of the day beginning to spread the message that manufacturing can continue to lift Britain out of recession (following an announcement that sees the industry reach a 16-year high), we hope that such news will help attract new talent just that little bit easier than its done over the last decade.