Timothy Speaks At Weidenhammer Factory Opening
Bradford -- 17 November, 2011
I was especially pleased to be invited to be part of the official opening of the Weidenhammer Factory in Bradford. Weidenhammer was founded in 1955 and is now a global player, with 12 production sites and over 1,000 employees, producing packaging solutions to many internationally renowned brands. It is so encouraging to see this kind of investment in our region and to see some of the economic benefits that the European Union can bring.
At the official cermony I gave the following speech:
"It gives me great pleasure to be here today to attend the official opening of the new Weidenhammer packaging plant.
"Can I begin by congratulating the company and its staff for its success and for the progress it is making in this sector. It's a success story because it's a company that believes in its people and I'm very glad that Bradford and the wider Yorkshire region have benefitted.
Last year Britain led the way with regard to inward investment in Europe. Even in the midst of a global recession Britain has still remained a very attractive proposition for foreign investment. A lot of the investment is made in London.Our nation's capital, with its strong reputation as a global financial centre is indeed attractive. But what Weidenhammer is achieving is a sign that this region too has a lot to offer.
"As an MEP I work in Brussels for the region. I have seen a lot of progress in the last 10-15 years because of our membership in Europe. I believe that the EU can be a very positive influence on British businesses because it has opened the door for investment from companies like Weidenhammer. And what you realise when working in Europe is that we are all inter-connected: culturally and socially but more importantly, economically. What happens in cities like Berlin, Paris, Madrid and Warsaw affects us tremendously.
"I recently welcomed a delegation of business leaders from Leeds to Brussels. I would be very happy to facilitate such a visit from this city. We discussed the opportunities that can come from Europe. We also discussed ways in which decision-makers can create the right conditions for business. And with the Regional Development Agencies now gone, the onus is on companies to learn fast how to receive UK and EU money for projects. Because you don't have to go too far to attract business in Europe - something I'm sure Weidenhammer understands. It leads the way in its field.
"A lot of people recently have said things like "Britain used to be so good at making things". Well we still are! We need a strong and diverse economy - one that responds to changes that go on all around us: a changing population or an enhanced transport network. Inward investment creates jobs in an area and brings wealth into the economy.And I'm glad that the Government has put a great deal of emphasis on growth recently. Manufacturing has to play its part - apart from creating many jobs, these are jobs that help increase skills and give local families a real chance to progress.
"However, at the moment, Europe is facing a dual challenge. There is a monetary crisis (in the Eurozone), which is being exacerbated by an economic one (the recession). The challenge for decision-makers is to find a way out of the monetary problems. The challenge for businesses is to find a way out of the economic mess we're in.
"Far be it for me to give advice to businessmen, but I would encourage them to seek opportunity, to foster innovation, and to reward hard work. As a so-called decision-maker I am always happy to take advice - I have to. So once again, can I thank Weidehammer and wish it great success in its new operation."
