The second Lincolnshire Manufacturing Conference organised by Lincolnshire County Council and NatWest attracted more than 170 delegates to Gainsborough Golf Club yesterday - the vast majority of whom were manufacturing industry leaders from across the county.

Improving the supply chain was the theme of the half-day conference, which featured talks by speakers including Vanessa Good, Senior Supply Chain Manager for HS2, Michael Mychajluk, Supply Chain and External Engagement Manager for Jaguar LandRover, and Councillor Colin Davie from the board of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.

The Greater Lincolnshire manufacturing sector provides jobs for around 39,000 people and is worth £2.1 billion for the UK economy, and the highly successful event focused on how Lincolnshire businesses need no longer be the county's 'best kept secret'.

Co-organiser Samantha Harrison from Lincolnshire County Council said: “We had a fantastic turnout on the day which is really encouraging and cements the conference as a regular date in the Lincolnshire business calendar.

“It was very pleasing to see so many Lincolnshire manufacturers at the event, which was an opportunity for them to network and make positive new connections while also hearing some very useful and interesting contributions from our speakers.

“We look forward to making the next Lincolnshire Manufacturing Conference even bigger and even better!”

Councillor Colin Davie added: "It's exciting. I have spoken today about the global opportunity for the manufacturing sector in Lincolnshire, the opportunities that we have in our new relationship with the Chinese province Hunan and other opportunities the horizon. Also I have explained the importance of Lincolnshire's role in the Midlands Engine for Growth.

"I think that is a real opportunity for Lincolnshire to be in the driving seat of the Midlands Engine and making the case to government as to why investment in the Midlands region, including Lincolnshire, is good for us, but also good for the national economy. This is a real key moment for us."

Co-organiser Garry Wilkinson, Manufacturing Sector Specialist for NatWest, commented: "We were delighted to co-host the conference with Lincolnshire County Council once again. The day was an excellent networking opportunity and provided practical advice on how local businesses can access national supply chains such as HS2 and Jaguar Land Rover, plus help their business plan for the future.

"NatWest is passionate about supporting the manufacturing sector and on the day we were approached by many local businesses who have a vision of where this path can take them."