We must help MPs understand the importance of the process industries

At the primary and secondary education level there is very little awareness of their existence, economic contribution or their potential to offer a fulfilling career path.

This is further compounded by the lack of consistency in teaching of those subjects most relevant to the process world and by the absence of an active connection between that world and schools.

With some exceptions, prevailing opinions about the various sectors tend to be unfavourable – viewing them as dirty, overly traditional and polluting.

This attitude is not limited to society’s grassroots. Over the years it has filtered up to the political level, reflecting either a general indifference or an active distaste.

We expect our legislators to make decisions based on facts rather than supposition. Yet, as NEPIC’s new chief executive Iain Wright (pictured above) notes in our main feature, politicians have many competing claims on their time.

While we may rue the fact they do not make more opportunity to be better acquainted, it will be more productive to work within MPs’ limitations and not bemoan it.

That seems to be the approach taken by NEPIC., with its appointment of the former minister for apprenticeships and ex-business select committee chairman.

Recent times do not suggest that the present administration is at home with the fine art of fashioning an agile response to events. The need for speedy decisions on economic matters will only increase – and with it the margin for error.

That will not be improved by talking to politicians in a manner they will struggle to understand (however much they ought to be able to comprehend). A good translator then may prove a useful asset.