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HOT TOPICS

CEA Bounce Back Conference – Beating the Global Recession
25 March 2009, One Great George Street, London
Our industry is suffering an unprecedented downturn – and markets have contracted fast. But which ones will recover first – and where are the opportunities for your business?
Click here for further details.
Click here for draft conference programme.

CEA industry survey confirms sharp jobs decline
The CEA's latest survey of members confirmed a 22% cut in manufacturing jobs in 2008. This shows a swift reaction to the market downturn in the second half of the year. This figure translates into an estimated loss of 10,000 industry jobs. Forecasts suggest that around 5,000 further jobs will follow by mid-2009. The survey is not all gloom, however, one in three members in our sample had a better 2008 than 2007 in the UK. Meanwhile two in three respondents predicted a return to growth before the end of the year. More detailed reports are being made available to contributors. Further surveys will be conducted on a monthly basis - if you want to be part of the survey panel (and get reports) e-mail Rob Oliver on rob@aslnorth.co.uk.
BERR Automotive Unit aids lobby
Further meetings have been held with BERR Automotive Unit officials to update them on the state of the industry - and to lobby for our objectives to help our sector. As a result, BERR senior officials have interceded with the European Commission to encourage a high level meeting with Vice President of the Commission, Gunther Verheugen. BERR support has also been offered for an industry supplier forum - proposals for which are now imminent.
What we want for you
The CEA is supporting the CECE initiative to press the European Commission to deliver on a four-point plan:
  • An extended flexibility provision in respect of engine emission regulations.
  • Low interest loans for companies to help meet their R&D commitment in meeting stricter environmental demands.
  • Better market surveillance on non-compliant plant.
  • Support for construction and infrastructure investment.

CEA Chief Executive, Rob Oliver, has also issued this statement, “In addition to the CECE lobby we are also involved in researching and promoting other policy initiatives. I am impressed with Dutch and German schemes to provide short time working allowances for workers threatened with redundancies - rather than paying unemployment benefits. Also in some EU countries there are government supported trade in guarantees for people purchasing new "greener" cars. Why not have a European-wide scheme for old (less environmentally friendly) construction plant? This could be a good market boost whilst better meeting environmental goals. We have to look at all options”.

Government help for business
On Wednesday 14 January, Government launched a package of support to address the cash flow, credit and capital needs of businesses. Information on this support can be accessed via a dedicated web portal at www.businesslink.gov.uk/realhelp.
Click here for BERR Real Help for Business new release.
Click here for letter from Lord Mandelson.
Milsco host next Management Council meeting
CEA member, Milso Manufacturing Ltd, will host the next CEA Management Council meeting on 5 February in Nuneaton. Milsco has sales and manufacturing divisions in both the United States and England – and specialises in the design and manufacture of complete seating products for vehicles used in agricultural, construction, earthmoving, industrial forestry, recreational and turfcare applications – www.milsco.co.uk.
Product photos required
We are always in need of good quality generic photos for our quarterly publication Newsline, articles written for other publications and also for our website. Please could all members either e-mail pictures of their product to kim@admin.co.uk - or post a disk to Kim Fitzpatrick, CEA, Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 0XZ.

Further details can be obtained from :

Construction Equipment Association
Airport House, Purley Way, Croydon, CR0 0XZ, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 8253 4502 - Fax: +44 (0)20 8253 4510
E-mail: cea@admin.co.uk – Web: www.coneq.org.uk
Disclaimer: Although care has been taken in preparing the information supplied in this publication, the CEA does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy of it. The CEA cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever arising. The views do not necessarily represent those of the CEA.
General

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