EEF NW comment on Queens Speech

David Ost, North West Region Director at EEF

Commenting on the Queens Speech today, David Ost, North West Region Director of EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said:

“Industry will welcome a Queen’s Speech that is lighter on legislation and denser on delivery. Making progress in key areas such as Energy, Apprenticeships, Pensions and key infrastructure projects such as HS2 is vital for growth.

"The new growth requirements on regulatory authorities and The Pensions Regulator are helpful move and should signal a shift to a ‘growth first’ mindset right across government.

"The challenge for government is to speed up the pace on delivery and to give British businesses a better chance of securing contracts on key infrastructure projects.”

On Apprenticeships and Traineeships, Terry Scuoler added: “Today’s announcement on apprenticeships and traineeships provide some important building blocks to raising standards and participation.

"Clarifying the definition of apprenticeships will help establish them as the quality route into work and enhance their brand across all industries.

"Involving employers in the design and development of Apprenticeships will also ensure they deliver the skills industry needs. But it is also important to develop the pipeline and traineeships will give young people the extra skills and experience they need to prepare them for going into an Apprenticeship, work or some other form of training.