21 Sept. 2022: Mr Gething was invited to the quarterly meeting of the influential Make UK Regional Advisory Board. The organisation champions British manufacturing and provides essential knowledge and practical support on industry knowledge, compliance, training and policy.

The visit was hosted by Gavin Peters, Tri-Wall UK’s CEO, who is the Vice-Chair of the Welsh branch of the organisation.

Mr Peters says: “It has been great for us to be able to hold this event at our headquarters here in Monmouth, enabling the minister to hear directly from Welsh manufacturers. Businesses are facing huge pressures from rising inflation, energy costs and shortages in the skilled labour market that need addressing by the Welsh and UK governments. It has been a tough few years for everyone and the hits keep coming. We need a strong and stable government strategy for industry, a clear vision with education at its core.”

Make UK Wales Chair, Mike Evans the CEO of EBS Automation, compiled the collective voice of the Welsh membership to deliver the organisation’s key messages at the event.

He says: “This has been a great and unique opportunity for us to talk with government and air our concerns, but it is important that meetings have actions. We hope that we have given the minister a concise overview of what industry needs not just to survive, but to flourish in the future.”

Janis Richards, Director of Make UK Wales, says: “Make UK is the voice of manufacturing in Wales and the wider UK. We address directly with Welsh government on the challenges faced by the industry and push for solutions that help Welsh manufacturing grow and be successful for the wider economy in the country. At this critical time for the Welsh economy, our sector is seeking direct solutions to ensure their ongoing viability. We are delighted that Minister Gething has held talks with our sector leaders today to hear their concerns and challenges directly.”

Mr Peters added: “The minister was very appreciative of the meeting and the comments made. Ongoing meetings with officials will be scheduled for Make UK Wales to be key contributors to the next stages of policy decision making.”

Despite the difficult market conditions, Tri-Wall, which has an annual turnover of £63 million, has recently embarked on an ambitious programme of expansion, starting with the recent acquisition of the Derbyshire-based sheet plant manufacturer, The Corrugated Case Company