Campaign Canvass & Cavalcade: The Battle to Save Northern Ireland''s Manufacturers

From Ocean liners to aircraft, and from pneumatic tyres to whiskey and tractors, Northern Ireland is known the world over for its proud manufacturing history. Today, the industry remains at the heart of the Northern Ireland economy, with an important role to play in creating jobs and strong communities, and in making the region a world-beater in areas such as food, engineering, transport, fabrics and even new renewable industries. But the manufacturing industry has faced its challenges. In 2002, a government initiative attempted to abolish industrial derating, posing an unprecedented threat to the whole sector. this move sparked a long-running grassroots campaign that saw factory owners and workers unite and take on big government in a battle to save manufacturers. Campaign, Canvass & Cavalcade tells the story of that campaign - of how manufacturers found their voice and succeeded in changing the minds of politicians and decision-makers. It also looks at the challenges that need to be addressed, such as energy costs, to ensure that Northern Ireland remains a place where making things matters and where manufacturers flourish. See more