Mr Skidmore was recently taken on a tour of the AMRC – part of the High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult – to see how it allows academia, industry and government to work together to address challenges around productivity, processes and skills in a range of sectors, including aerospace, energy and construction. He also took part in discussions about the type of investment, commitment and structures the North of England needs to build the innovation, skills and business base required to rebalance the UK economy, reshore industry and recognise the North’s full potential.