Anyone in the central England with an interest in manufacturing can join the new Midlands Manufacturing Network (MMN) embracing the Institutions, industry and education, which will be launched this month with a prestige lecture and dinner.

Manufacturing innovation will be the main theme of the network for members, with CPE and Imagineering as the key area for young people. Network members will work with the lEE's planned Manufacturing Professional Network to spearhead a world-wide focus group on manufacturing innovation.

The inaugural event will be the first Sir Alan Veale lecture by Ken Giles, Managing Director will talk about manufacturing innovation in his company

Sir Alan Veale was knighted for his services to industry and is a past president of the Institution of Production Engineers.

The lecture takes place on 23 May at the International Manufacturing Centre, University of Warwick at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a dinner. There are also plans to relay the lecture to other locations in the Midlands.

The IEE Coventry & Warwickshire Branch, the IMechE Midlands Manufacturing Centre and the Campaign to Promote Engineering (CPE) are collaborating in setting up the network.