January 2022

The second edition of the groundbreaking National Manufacturing Summit returns on Tuesday 8th andWednesday 9th February 2022 with a focus on achieving a net-zero future. As COP26 brought into sharp focus the need to increase the pace of change in all aspects of society, commerce and industry, all eyes will be on our advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors to lead the UK’s charge to a net-zero future. It was our manufacturers and advanced engineers that showed agility to step up and successfully navigate some of the key challenges presented by the COVID pandemic. Many now argue the race to net-zero is the challenge of our generation, and it’s the work we do now that will secure the futures of generations to come. This year’s National Manufacturing Summit will focus on how UK manufacturers of all sizes, the advanced engineering sector, academia, RTO’s and local, regional, and national government can work together to successfully lead the charge and win the race to net-zero. With every challenge comes opportunity. NMS2022 will highlight how through collaboration, agility and innovation, UK manufacturers and its full range of stakeholders can scale the summit of climate change and enjoy the view of a brighter, more prosperous future for our advanced manufacturers and UK PLC. Leading The UK’s Charge To Net-Zero The UK was the first developed nation to sign into law the target to be carbon neutral by 2050. In doing so, the Government made the strongest commitment possible to ensure that the UK does all it needs to achieve this target. Since making the announcement, the UK has been a world leader in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, increasing renewable energy sources, creating the future plans for new, green infrastructure and supporting all industrial sectors to access the funding and investment needed to begin tomove the economy and wider society to a net-zero future. Whilst our manufacturing leaders will be aware of the longer term 2050 targets and there are many examples of agile businesses forging ahead and innovating to win the race to net-zero, on a broader scale questions remain to determine if the UK’s manufacturers are embracing the opportunities that this inevitable change provides - or are they ignoring the need for the change and simply bracing themselves for impact? n COVER STORY National Manufacturing Summit 2022 A Net-Zero Future 12 January 2022 www.drivesncontrols.com