º  The House of Commons Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee has is holding a wide-ranging enquiry into engineering in the UK. It will investigate issues such as the provision of engineering skills, as well as examining case studies.

º  Canon Communications has announced that its collection of exhibitions that includes MTEC and Machine-Building will, in future, be known as Advanced Manufacturing UK. Next year’s event, which includes a new Green Manufacturing Exhibition and Conference, will take place at the Birmingham NEC from 25–26 March – about a month later than in previous years.

º  Liam Byrne, the Minister for the West Midlands, has announced a strategy to support manufacturing in the region. The strategy will focus on: developing innovative, high-value, globally competitive products and services; fostering skills and creating positive attitudes to manufacturing; and supporting the development of globally competitive businesses.