Make UK has appointed Claire Umney, Managing Director of Alwayse Engineering, as the new Chair of its West Midlands Regional Advisory Board (RAB).

Claire succeeds Rowan Crozier MBE, CEO and co-owner of C. Brandauer & Co Ltd, who has chaired the board since 2022 and played a longstanding role in supporting Make UK’s work with manufacturers across the region.

The West Midlands is one of the UK’s manufacturing heartlands, with the sector employing 279,000 people and accounting for 13.9% of output across the region.

It has major strengths across transport equipment, metal products and machinery, underpinned by a wide network of SMEs and supply chain businesses. 

Metals is the region’s second-largest manufacturing sub-sector after transport, reflecting the vital contribution firms like Alwayse Engineering make alongside major manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin.

As Chair of the Regional Advisory Board, Claire will help strengthen the link between manufacturers across the West Midlands and Make UK, working with fellow industry leaders to shape regional and national priorities and ensure the concerns of businesses are reflected in its campaigning work.

Claire’s appointment comes at a crucial time for manufacturers both in the region and nationwide, as they continue to face high energy, employment and business rates costs alongside growing regulatory burdens. 

With the Autumn Budget approaching, Make UK is calling on the Government to give firms the stability and breathing room to invest, recruit and grow, including by tackling uncompetitive industrial energy costs, easing the cost of employment and giving manufacturers temporary relief from recent increases in business rates.

Jim Davison and Claire Umney
Claire Umney receives 130 Honours certificate

Claire brings more than 25 years’ experience across engineering, manufacturing, technology, logistics and supply chain businesses to the role. She has held senior leadership positions spanning business growth, operational efficiency and technology, and became Managing Director of Birmingham-based Alwayse Engineering in 2024.

She was also recently named in Make UK’s 130 Honours, which celebrates 130 manufacturing people across England and Wales to mark the organisation’s 130th anniversary and National Manufacturing Day 2026.

Claire was recognised for her leadership in engineering and logistics, driving innovation, productivity and business growth while developing high-performing teams and supporting the future of UK manufacturing.

Claire Umney, Managing Director of Alwayse Engineering and new West Midlands RAB Chair, said: 

“I'm delighted to take on this role and represent the outstanding manufacturers across the West Midlands. This is a crucial time for British manufacturing, and through Make UK's platform, we have a genuine voice with government to shape the policies that matter to our sector. 

“I'm passionate about championing not just our industry's competitiveness but also inspiring the next generation of engineers who will drive innovation and growth. I look forward to working with the regional community to make sure our manufacturers are heard and supported.”

Chris Corkan, Make UK Regional Director for the Midlands and East, said:

“I’m delighted that Claire has been appointed Chair of our Regional Advisory Board in the West Midlands. As a valued contributor to the board, and through her leadership at Alwayse Engineering, she is well placed to represent manufacturers across the region. I look forward to working with Claire and the board to support businesses and drive growth across the region.

“I’d also like to thank Rowan for his commitment to Make UK and our members throughout the past four years. He has been a longstanding champion for our sector and I would like to thank him for his unwavering support as Chair.”

 

Notes to editors:

About Make UK’s Regional Advisory Boards (RABs)

Make UK’s Regional Advisory Boards bring together senior manufacturing leaders from across the English regions and Wales to provide a direct link between industry and Make UK. Board members help shape Make UK’s regional and national priorities to ensure the experiences and concerns of manufacturers are reflected in its policy, campaigning and engagement work.