Experts trade in a world of good ideas

Jul 2 2009 By Christopher Knox, The Journal

Executives and economists from 37 countries are about to arrive in Middlesbrough for an event aiming to help the North East's heavy industries through the recession. Christopher Knox spoke to the organisers.

It won’t be all work and no play for the international visitors, as they’ll also be visiting HMS Trincomalee at Hartlepool Marina as well as enjoying the hospitality at Middlesbrough FC’s Riverside Stadium.

The delegates will also complete an industrial tour of the North East, highlighting examples of good practice in manufacturing, including Cummins Engineering in Darlington, Caterpillar in Peterlee, fittings and fixtures manufacturer Stanley Vickers Ltd in Middlesbrough, and food wholesalers Direct Line Supplies (DLS) in Middlesbrough.

David Ford, works manager at Stanley Vickers Ltd, said: "We are happy to be a part of this major international conference.

"We believe that this conference is an excellent opportunity for businesses, academic institutes and researchers from around the world to network and share new and innovative ideas.

"The knowledge transferred from the various backgrounds and cultures involved will greatly benefit everyone in attendance; especially given the current economic climate. We do hope this conference will lead to some solutions for the current problems we are all facing."

Abbas Salahshouri, director of DLS Ltd, said: "We are delighted to be associated with the FAIM 2009 conference, to have such a prestigious international conference come to the area and have the opportunity to participate, its a great honour. In such stressful economic times industry and academic institutions need to work in harmony and share knowledge, we hope that from this conference we can take the knowledge and put it in to practise."

"The FAIM 2009 Conference is a much welcomed event to the Teesside area, the presence of such an event in the North East is highly regarded in industry and that’s why we wanted to share in its success! All companies strive for improvement and from such strong key note speakers who are attending the conference we hope to gain a vital insight into new practices and theories".

Those wishing to attend a selection of the keynote speeches should contact Professor Nabhani at f.nabhani@tees.ac.uk