Building on the huge success of our previous events, CDEMN is pleased to announce a black-tie dinner to be held at the South Durham University Technical College in Newton Aycliffe on June 26.

The event is based around the critical subject of skills with a focus on the shortfall in the engineering and manufacturing sectors and the need for more apprenticeships.

Our main sponsor, SORA, was one of our first associate partners and provides a comprehensive service for training and development for many of the largest businesses and therefore employers in the region.

Owner and founder of Sora Ian Tindle said “it’s a great pleasure to support this event which is key to the SORA ethos of upskilling and training, getting the next generation of manufacturing and engineering professionals in place is key to the long-term future of not only our region but also in support of any industrial strategy”

We are also pleased to have Jackson Hogg, another of our associates partners, sponsoring the reception. Their challenge is to find the right applicant for business needs which is key to the growth of any business. Richard Hogg, owner and founder of Jackson Hogg, said: “We see retaining and developing skills within the North East as being fundamental to the region’s growth. Looking forward, we believe that the skills issue provides a great opportunity for companies to benefit significantly from the potential in their current employees as well as the next generation who are starting to move into the workforce.”

Our keynote Speaker will be Andrew Hodgson CEO of SMD (Soil Machine Dynamics) and Chair of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP). Andrew is actively involved in the skills agenda around the region and leads that sector for the NELEP, therefore having a real overview of business needs.

David Land, Chairman of CDEMN, said: “We are uniquely looking at bringing business and education together with the opportunity of an interesting and open discussion about how best to meet the needs of the younger generation, whilst ensuring a robust business solution for employers.”

Reception will start at 6.30pm with the meal and speeches / discussions from 7:00pm onwards (carriages at 10:30pm). The dress code is black tie with a table of 10 available at £450.00 ex VAT or individual tickets for £50.00 ex VAT.

Please email ben.gilhespy@cdemn.org.uk for more information.