EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has appointed a new director to give North East manufacturers a greater voice.

Liz Mayes joins EEF from the CBI as North East Region Director on the September 8.

The move allows EEF to ramp up support in the region by splitting a far wider North East, Yorkshire and Humber directorship into two. It means that the present director, Andy Tuscher, can focus his attention on Yorkshire and Humber with Liz Mayes taking up the reins for the North East.

The step comes at a crucial time for British manufacturing with the sector going from strength to strength. The North East has a vital role to play, accounting for 5% of total UK manufacturing with £6.4 billion of manufacturing output coming from the region. The sector employs just under 125,000 people in the North East.

Liz is perfectly placed to help manufacturers in the region to carry on driving growth and jobs. Having spent half of her life in the North East, Liz is passionate about North East business and the potential of its vibrant and dynamic manufacturing sector.

A graduate of both Durham and Newcastle Universities, Liz began her career at TBR Economics where she focused on research into small business start-up and failure rates. She joined the CBI in 2002 and since January 2014 has been Acting Director for the North East.

Liz lives in North Shields with her husband and two daughters and is a Governor at Willowfields Primary School in Sunderland.

Andrew Buckley, Membership Director at EEF, said: “We are delighted to have Liz on board. She comes at a critical and dynamic time for manufacturing with the sector playing a vital role in the economy, both nationally and regionally.

“Her appointment demonstrates our commitment to North East manufacturers and deepens the support we are able to provide. By giving the North East its own dedicated director we should really be able to help local businesses fly.”

Liz Mayes, said: “EEF has a long and proud history of supporting businesses in the North East.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to get under the skin of the sector in the North East, to work with our members to identify how EEF can help them maximise their opportunities and address their challenges to drive their businesses forward. I know the North East has a manufacturing sector to be proud of and I want to make sure we punch above our weight to get it the recognition and the voice it deserves.”