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Graham Mulholland, managing director of epm: technology, has praised the government for what he calls “making a start on supporting the manufacturing industry” in the East Midlands. Mulholland spoke to Insider following a visit by David Willetts MP, universities and science minister, to the Derby-based company.

He said: “We’ve had 13 years of nothing but the promotion of the service industry, and the business support for businesses like ours just wasn’t there. We had the Manufacturing Advisory Service for a short spell, but it was too little, too late.

"What the new government has recognised is that there are little pockets of manufacturing that are doing well, and it is prepared to put its weight behind it. There is now a team of people trying to make a difference to firms like ours.”

Epm: technology makes composite parts for the motor industry from its Draycott base.

“A lot of current strategy in composites is centred on developing theoretical R&D, which can be an expensive and time-consuming process. I talked with the minister about the need for a balanced approach to strategy that includes the input of commercially proven businesses who consistently supply cost-effective, on-time solutions to customers.”

Willetts’ visit to epm: technology coincided with a regional cabinet meeting held at Rolls-Royce in the city.

He said: "UK manufacturing is growing strongly and playing a central role in the economy and its recovery, and it was fascinating to see this work in action at epm: technology.

"I was also fortunate enough to meet the company apprentices. Apprenticeships are a great way to earn money while you learn skills and build a career. That’s why the government has put expanding the number of apprenticeships at the heart of its strategy to improve the nation’s skills.

"Through the 'Growth Review' we are working closely with the manufacturing industry so that all new policy proposals are focused on removing the barriers to economic growth."

Mulholland, who is a member of the East Midland Innovation Council for science and industry, confirmed that the example of epm: technology highlighted the issues at stake.

He said: “We are a rapidly growing business, and we need high-calibre engineers to support that growth. I am delighted to have been able to show the minster the practical benefits that support for engineering can bring, both to the regional and national economy.”

However, Mulholland has criticised the government for doing away with the regional development agencies (RDAs) and replacing them with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

He said: “I have a major problem with the LEPs. Through the RDAs we had least had a line of communication that was relatively consistent. Now we over sixty LEPs and we are all separated up into individual counties again. There was definitely a case for reforming the RDAs.

"Sure, Emda wasted a lot of money, but it kept us going, and I think it was the best RDA in the country for value for money. I spoke openly and frankly to the minister about my concerns about LEPs and I’d like to think he took notice of me.”

epm: technology employs 80 people at its Draycott facility where it makes parts for Formula 1 teams as well as working closely with World touring cars and British touring car teams. The company also works with a range of vehicle manufactures, including Aston Martin, Bentley and other niche vehicle manufacturers.