Former Cabinet Minister, politician and journalist Michael Portillo will be providing the opening address in the seminar area at this year’s PPMA Show.

A keen advocate of British manufacturing, Mr Portillo will take to the stage on the first day of the show, 30th September, to discuss the resurgence of British manufacturing and its role in rebalancing the economy.

Following his address, which takes place at 10:15am, Mr Portillo will take to the show’s floor to speak with exhibitors and further discuss the points covered in his address.

Grant Collier, head of marketing for the PPMA Group, said: “I’m very pleased to confirm Michael’s involvement in this year’s PPMA show. I know that he strongly supports British manufacturing and I have no doubt his address will be the perfect way to open the event. Michael is very much looking forward to meeting with exhibitors at the show and discussing the role that the processing and packaging industry has to play in continuing the revival of the British manufacturing sector.”

Mr Portillo’s appearance is the second speaker announcement the PPMA has made regarding this year’s show following the announcement last month that the Government’s first appointed supermarket ombudsman, Christine Tacon, would also be speaking on the opening day of the show.

The PPMA Show is a free to attend, complete production line event for processing and packaging machinery. The show attracts hundreds of machinery manufacturers and component suppliers across a wide range of industries including food, drink, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, dairy, snacks, construction and electronics.

Taking place 30th Sept – 2nd October 2014, this year will see the event return to the sole ownership and management of the PPMA Group of trade associations.