History of Sectors
Originally formed from a world unique collaboration between the UK Government and the UK automotive industry, Industry Forum has developed and grown into an organisation serving customers in many diverse industries and sectors on five continents.
Whilst its roots remain in the automotive industry it has grown steadily in its first ten years; absorbing initially the aerospace sector industry forum from the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) and subsequently the Metals Industry Forum. In addition to this growth by acquisition it has diversified into other major sectors such as food and drink, (including dairy, meat processing, fresh produce and cereals) as well as white goods, medical equipment and the public sector. Recognising the importance of the supply chain, and supply networks, it developed the methodology and techniques for the National Supply Chain Programme, and as a deliverer for that programme undertook more than half of all the implementations with customers in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Scope of Support
Industry Forum works with customers of all sizes and in all locations. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are supported directly, through large company supply chains, and also delivery on behalf of the Manufacturing Advisory Service, Multi-nationals are assisted to develop and implement their own manufacturing and operating systems world wide.
In terms of global validation of capabilities, Industry Forum has achieved recognition by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) as the only UK based organisation approved to train, evaluate and qualify third party certification body auditors in ISO/TS16949:2002, and is the sole UK licence for the Japanese Institute for Productive Maintenance (JIPM) administering its Total Productive Maintenance Excellence Award in Western Europe.
Development and Recognition
To implement its core "learning by doing" ethos Industry Forum has invested heavily in developing its own staff to become multi-skilled providers of vocational skills, and has a cadre of assessors and internal verifiers to underpin its status as an assessment centre for EMTA Awards Limited (EAL). It is also an approved provider to the National Skills Academy Network, with the manufacturing and food and drink academies being its primary customers.
In terms of global validation of capabilities, Industry Forum has achieved recognition by the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) as the only UK based organisation approved to train, evaluate and qualify third party certification body auditors in ISO/TS16949:2002, and is the sole UK licence for the Japanese Institute for Productive Maintenance (JIPM) administering its Total Productive Maintenance Excellence Award in Western Europe.
Additional Information
The detailed early history of Industry Forum, from its inception in 1996 to 2002, can be read in the celebration of its evolution from concept to world unique status as an entity, in the publication "A Unique Partnership - The Story So Far"
Since the publication was finalised Industry Forum has continued to evolve, both in scope and reach and continues to provide its customers with the means to achieve the progression summarised in the schematic to the right.