A NEW group is being launched to give a stronger voice to manufacturing companies in Oxfordshire, writes Sarah Parker.

The Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry is strengthening its specialist manufacturing group to help tackle the issues facing its members.

Manufacturing is one of the chamber's nine specialist groups, which also cover economic development, environmental issues, export, research and science, retail/ commercial, rural affairs, tourism and transport.

Manufacturing group chairman John Bell said: "It is vital that the voice of manufacturers is heard by decision makers locally, nationally and internationally.

"This group aims to bring local companies together so we can canvas their views and make sure they feed through into the chamber's lobbying of local councils, Parliament and Brussels."

The group plans to introduce a manufacturing section on the chamber's website at www.thamesvalleychamber. co.uk, and wants to know what information local companies would find the most useful.

Suggestions so far include economic and currency data, links to sources of the latest information on EU grants and regulation, employment information, financial reporting and tax and comparative rents and availability of industrial property.

The chamber is also planning to host a series of meetings.

Members are also keen to hear the views of companies in Oxfordshire on priority issues including the national and global economy, pollution, exchange rates and the uniform business rate. For details, call 07714 236483.