An innovative conference aimed at encouraging and inspiring growth in Advanced Manufacturing Materials and Engineering (AMME) has been announced by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. The inaugural AMME Conference will take place Tuesday 31 March at Armagh City Hotel. All businesses within the sector will have the opportunity to hear best practice, expert advice and be directed on the support available to maximise all the potential opportunities for growth in the years ahead.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is home to major businesses including Hyster-Yale, Moy Park, Thompson Aerospace, Almac, Kingspan, Sam Engineering (JW Kane), JF McKenna. All of whom are on a growth journey and are contributing significantly to the Northern Ireland economy. Currently the Borough employs 7,000 jobs within advanced manufacturing. Over recent years, economic output has generated 10% of GVA* resulting in £3.6bn investment.

The AMME Conference will showcase how the economic potential of this key priority sector for the Borough will develop in the next few years and how ‘growth deal’ plans will advance the sector. It will also demonstrate that businesses in the Borough are making significant steps to grow their business, create jobs and help grow the economy.

Throughout the day businesses will hear from a range of expert speakers who will provide invaluable knowledge and insights as well as signpost the opportunities available to support business growth. Hosted by business broadcaster Jamie Delargy, speakers include representatives from Manufacturing NI, Queen’s University Belfast, Invest NI, Digital Catapult Centre, and more.

Launching the AMME Conference Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mealla Campbell said:

“I am delighted to officially launch our inaugural Advanced Manufacturing Materials and Engineering Conference (AMME). Economic growth is a key priority for Council and this Conference will highlight the importance of this sector and the support available to businesses in the Borough. It is a unique opportunity to hear from businesses who will share their journey from where it all started to where they are today. There will be experts from across the sector who can advise on support, funding and opportunities that are on offer to help ‘Grow your Business’. If you work or plan to work in the AMME sector this Conference is essential and will be a great opportunity for networking and forming excellent relationships for the future.”

This event is part of the Council’s commitment to manufacturing month.

Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive Manufacturing NI, commented:

“Manufacturing is changing through choice and necessity. Those who stand still will be left behind as competitors at home and abroad strive to be more productive and relevant for customers. It is with that background that Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council should be congratulated for taking the lead and helping inspire and prepare their local businesses to meet this challenge. We would encourage manufacturers of all sizes to come along, learn and ask questions.”

To find out more and to reserve a place visit abcammeconf.eventbrite.co.uk, e-mail conference@ndevents.co.uk,  Facebook @armaghbanbridgecraigavon, Twitter @abcb_council, LinkedIn @Invest in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, #ABCAMME or call 028 9244 4880.