THE head of a technology organisation has urged the Government to commit to industry investment in today’s (Wednesday, November 23) Autumn Statement.

Chris McDonald, chief executive of the Materials Processing Institute (MPI), based near Middlesbrough, wants Chancellor Philip Hammond to introduce a specific Catapult hub for the metals and materials industry.

The North-East has a number of such hubs, which are Government-backed centres of excellence that focus on innovation in the digital, satellite and high-value manufacturing sectors.

Teesside MPs Anna Turley and Tom Blenkinsop previously called for the MPI to gain Catapult status, saying it would help promote research and development as a key tool in making British businesses become worldbeaters.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Mr McDonald said: “The industry has been working hard for eight months to get the Government to commit to an individual Catapult for the metals and materials industry.

“We don’t want to see support from existing Catapults, we want to see a specific one established for metals and materials.

“The Government is really starting to get the message for metals and materials.

Now they need to respond.”

Mr McDonald attended the CBI conference, in London, where he was looking to raise his concerns with Prime Minister Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn.

He quizzed the Labour leader directly on the role of metals and material in future industrial strategy He said: “They were both very positive about industrial strategy and everyone in the room wanted to hear that.

“The Prime Minister has pledged to spend £2bn on research and innovation, and Jeremy Corbyn committed to the three per cent GDP target for innovation, which shows they are both showing a real understanding.”

Mr McDonald believes the two are starting to understand the industry’s concerns.

He said: “It is really important they put a good message forward for industry.

“The future success of Britain is dependent on it. It is great to have an increased amount of spending for the metals and materials industry, but the implementation of it is important – there is a risk the Government will implement the right measures but get the wrong results.”

Mr McDonald added he expects to see the Chancellor increase infrastructure investment in today’s Autumn Statement.

He said: “We are all expecting more investment in infrastructure, which is important in the post-Brexit environment. This needs to be ports, rails, roads, and airports, like the Heathrow announcement.”