27th February 2012. Grove, UK. Williams F1 CEO, Alex Burns, has been named as a Make it in Great Britain Industry Champion in an address at the Government's Manufacturing Summit at the Bristol and Bath Science Park last week (Thursday 23rd February).

He joins 29 other Industry Champions who are leaders in their field across a variety of sectors within manufacturing, and who have signed up to lend their support to the campaign, which was launched by Business Secretary Vince Cable and Business Minister Mark Prisk last November. Make it in Great Britain aims to transform the image of UK manufacturing and encourage young people to consider a career in the industry.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said, "The outdated perception of the manufacturing industry does not match the reality of today. Make it in Great Britain is all about encouraging support for the sector, dispelling myths and encouraging greater interest in industry by young people and investors. Alex Burns has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the modern manufacturing environment, making him best placed to spread the good news we have to tell. That is why I want industry champions like Alex to generate excitement and interest amongst our young people and future workforce."

On his appointment, Alex Burns, CEO of Williams F1, commented, "I am delighted to be an Industry Champion for the Make it in Great Britain campaign. I am looking forward to informing the public about the great work that is being done in motorsport, which is a vibrant part of the British manufacturing industry, and how at Williams we are developing exciting new technologies for racing and then adapting these for other uses, particularly in energy efficiency and road safety. I hope that the campaign inspires many young people to consider the many exciting career options available in manufacturing."

British manufacturing is a dynamic sector, offering excellent job and investment opportunities. Make it in Great Britain is a campaign aimed at transforming outdated opinions of UK manufacturing and dispelling the myth that Britain 'doesn't make anything anymore.' The campaign will culminate in a six week exhibition of Great British manufacturing at the Science Museum this summer during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

For more details please visit www.bis.gov.uk/makeitingreatbritain.

Please click here to view a pdf version of this release: http://www.williamsf1.com/downloads/pdf/27 02 12 AB Industry Champion.pdf

For more information on the team please visit www.williamsf1.com

Thank you.
The Williams F1 Communications Office