Lord Heseltine to focus on industrial strategy as guest at the Cutlers’ Feast

The former Deputy Prime Minister is expected to talk about the need for Britain to adopt a co-ordinated industrial strategy when he attends the dinner in the Cutlers’ Hall on May 17.

Lord Heseltine was a leading figure in the Governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major.

During the 1980s, he served as Environment and Defence Secretary. His decision to challenge Margaret Thatcher for the Conservative party leadership in 1990, although unsuccessful, started a chain of events which led to her resignation.

Lord Heseltine, who was praised for his work regenerating Merseyside following the 1981 riots, will be the guest of Pam Liversidge, the first female master cutler.

Ms Liversidge has used her term in office as master cutler to improve links between schools and industry.

The Cutlers’ Company, in partnership with the local council and business, is looking to meet the needs of employers through a programme which equips students for employment.

Speaking after a lunch meeting with the local press, Ms Liversidge said yesterday: “We’re working with the local authority to be involved in the curriculum on a pilot project. Five schools volunteered. We’re going with three particular schools.

“After Monday we’ll announce who they are. Those three schools will be linked to a member of the company.

“We aim to have an input into the schools’ curriculum, so they do things that make the children ready for work when they complete their education.”

She added: “Manufacturing in South Yorkshire is reasonably good.

“We’re in a better place than we’ve been for many years. We’re doing our bit for re-balancing the economy and we’re doing it for the right reasons. This part of the world is passionate about manufacturing.”