The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) represents the interests of manufacturers of forgings and pressings, fasteners, as well as cold rolled and sheet metal products – the building blocks for the UK’s industrial base.
As the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) has swept across the British industrial landscape, the CBM has never been so active in supporting its members and, in particular, feeding back their concerns to the UK Government.
Core to CBM’s effectiveness in these deeply challenging times has been the solid links its president, Stephen Morley, and CEO, Geraldine Bolton, have forged with the UK Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy with which the CBM currently holds twice weekly conference calls. “These calls, which include a cross section of our members to provide first-hand feedback and comment, have been vitally important,” says Steve Morley. “They mean we have the earliest and clearest understanding of Government intentions in relation to the Covid-19 crisis generally and support for business specifically, as well as providing a clear insight into the practical implications in the manufacturing industry of Government strategy.”
The CBM also works closely with major UK industry bodies, including the CBI, Make UK and SMMT, which through their representation of a huge number of British manufacturers have direct and regular access at the highest levels of UK Government strategy making.
CBM members are regularly informed on all developments relevant to their businesses through email bulletins, the CBM website news and events pages, and brief weekly video conference meetings organised by CBM’s sector specialists. “The weekly video meetings are invaluable,” explains Geraldine Bolton. “Not just in providing members with immediate updates in this rapidly changing business environment, but also in hearing concerns that can be fed back to the government. The meetings also provide an excellent forum for sharing best practice, particularly for safe working as members either maintain output or plan to return from temporary furlough.”
CBM has also intensified its seminar programme and successfully translated them to online delivery. Recent informative webinars have included providing guidance on employee wellbeing, particularly those working from home, and other health and safety and HR issues. The forging sector is about to present its second online workshop, focusing this time on putting lean manufacturing into action and aligning business strategy to KPI metrics. Other webinars will focus on cyber security, recognising it as an increased risk in current conditions, and continued support on HR and health and safety issues.
Having held senior management roles in leading automotive and fastener businesses, Phil joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine as editor in 2002. Convinced there is no substitute for ‘being there’, over 17 years of visits and interviews around the world means he has accumulated an extraordinary knowledge and perspective of the global fastener industry, reflected in his incisive and thought provoking reporting.
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