Shake-up at the top of EEF Northern group

Apr 30 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal

THE man at the head of the North East’s manufacturers organisation EEF Northern has been promoted in a shake-up of the group.

And as Alan Hall goes to take charge of EEF’s Northern Yorkshire & Humberside and Sheffield Associations he will be replaced as head of the North East regional operations by Tony Sarginson.

Mr Hall said “I am absolutely delighted to have the privilege of picking up this major new role for EEF in the wider North East.

“I am determined to not simply maintain the quality and range of services available to members but to improve these. I also regard it as key to represent the interests of manufacturing companies in the North East, in the Yorkshire & Humberside region and in the Sheffield region.”

The new structure will maintain the EEF’s centres in Washington, Sheffield and Leeds and by combining resources aims to provide an even better range of services for the manufacturing, engineering and technology-based sectors.

Mr Sarginson will head up the regional operations from the Washington office. Mr Sarginson has worked extensively with Mr Hall over the last three years as regional policy executive for EEF Northern.

Mr Sarginson said “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the EEF’s North East operation. From this position I am both able to support our 600 member companies and will be really pushing the cause for Engineering and Manufacturing in our region.

“ My aim is to build on and develop further EEF’s influence as the “Voice of manufacturing and engineering” here in the North East.”

Mr Sarginson is managing director of Newcastle-based consultancy Ark Associates and has held positions including senior regional manager with BT and executive director of the Northern Business Forum.