The CEA was again invited to be part of the co-ordinated pre-Budget submission to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on behalf of the UK engineering sector. The document was prepared by the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF) and stressed the important (but often neglected) role of manufacturing in the UK economy. The submission concentrated on measures to improve investment in capital equipment, innovation, skills and lean manufacturing.

New Secretary General - The 2001 CECE Congress, held in Knokke, Belgium (3-6 October) approved the appointment of Ralf Wezel as the new (part-time) Secretary General of CECE. Herr Wezel, who is part of the VDMA’s team in Brussels, will officially take over on 1 January 2002. He will operate from the same offices as outgoing Secretary General, Pierre Juliens of the Belgian manufacturers’ group Agoria (formerly Fabrimetal). Herr Wezel is experienced in EU affairs via his involvement in the European agricultural machinery group (CEMA) and has become increasingly involved in construction equipment matters in the last year or so. He has accepted an invitation to meet with the CEA Management Council in London as part of his briefing process.

New President - Massimo Arghinenti of CNH/New Holland Italia was elected President in succession to Caterpillar’s Michel Van der Linden. Mr Arghinenti will be supported by Gösta Göranson (Volvo) and Henri Marchetta (Mecalac).

A directory of UK Trade Associations, including address details and "hot links" can be found on: this site - CEA / External Structure / UK Trade Associations. Associations that would like an entry in the directory should contact Kim Fitzpatrick (kim@admin.co.uk). We ask that reciprocal "hot links" be established.

BFPA Appoints New Chief Executive - Roman Russocki is the new Chief Executive of the British Fluid Power Association (as from 1 May 2001). Neil Percival, the outgoing Director, officially retires in November.

The XIth PIARC International Winter Road Congress - will be held in Sapporo, Japan from 28-31 January 2002. For further information visit www.piarc-sapporo2002.road.or.jp or e-mail: piarc2002@itd.jtb.co.jp

Smart Technology Reviews - The Smart programme is a government package of support that provides grants to help individuals and SMEs research or develop technologies leading to commercial products. Under the technology elements of the programme, consultants are brought in to examine the company’s use of technology and/or identify technological opportunities leading to innovative products or processes. For further information contact Colin Swan at the Small Business Service - Tel: +44 (0)20 7215 3817 or e-mail colin.swann@sbs.gsi.gov.uk. A booklet of case studies is available from the DTI Publications Orderline - Tel: +44 (0)870 1502 500 (quote reference URN 01/588).

STI Seminar - A seminar to launch the third call for proposals for the Sustainable Technologies Initiative (STI) will be held at the Cardiff International Arena on Thursday 15 November 2001. The seminar will be hosted by the Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), the DTI and the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC). STI information can be found on: www.dti.gov.uk/sti, www.epsrc.ac.uk, www.esrc.ac.uk and www.oakdenehollins.co.uk. For seminar registration information contact Nick Morley - e-mail: nmorley@oakdenehollins.co.uk or call the STI helpline on +44 (0)1296 337165.