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Industrial Strength Britain: Politics for Sustainable GrowthDebate is now raging about the need to rebalance the economy both sectorally and regionally, including calls for an active industrial policy. This event will examine whether there is now a political and social partner consensus on the future of industrial policy. It will also consider best practice from abroad. The Emilia Romagna region of Italy has a long tradition of industrial policy, while Singapore is one of the ‘Tiger’ nations at the heart of the Asian economic boom. Practitioners from both those countries will describe their experience, allowing a discussion of lessons for the UK. Speakers Speakers will include the Rt Hon Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills; Chuka Umunna MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills, Patrizio Bianchi, Professor of Economics at the University of Ferrara and a member of the regional government of Emilia Romagna; Juergen Maier, managing director of manufacturing firm Siemens UK and Frances O’Grady, TUC General Secretary. To register please visit http://industrialstrengthbritain.eventbrite.co.uk

Putting Technicians on the AgendaFor too long technicians have not had enough recognition for the productive role they play in the workplace and the valuable skills they hold that contribute to economic success. Unions play an important role in ensuring technicians have a voice. Unionlearn is organising an event to promote the important role that trade unions can play in supporting technicians to exercise • a collective voice in the workplace • get improved status and better recognition of their contribution and skills through professional registration • improved training and development opportunities The event will also launch unionlearn’s ‘Technician Pathways’ project and explore the important new partnerships being formed with professional bodies, employers and others through the new Technician Council in science, engineering and ICT. This event will be of interest to trade union officials and representatives across economic sectors and partner organisations such as professional bodies, sector skills councils, colleges, universities and major employers. Speakers include: Tom Wilson (Director, unionlearn) Graham Spittle (IBM Chief Technology Officer Europe & Vice President, Software Group, IBM) TO BE CONFIRMED Mike Clancy (General Secretary, Prospect) Dr Sarah Peers (Director of Programmes: ‘NEF: The Innovation Institute’) Diana Garnham (Chief Executive, Science Council)

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2013 - Tolpuddle, DorsetThe Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival is an annual event to celebrate the memory of the six 19th century Dorset farm workers who were arrested and deported to Australia for leading the formation of a union. Known for its friendly atmosphere the event will play host to a mixture of great music for all tastes; political debate and speakers; a tin village kids' area packed with fun, poetry and drama; a wide choice of food and drink and most of all the chance to meet old friends and make new ones. The event takes place over three days: Friday: The festival site will be open from midday and the first act will kick off at 7pm. Tolpuddle Fringe speakers include Tony Woodhouse & Steve Gillan. There will be music in the Martyrs Marquee from RPM, Gaz Brookfield, Bandana Collective, Sound Of the Sirens, and headliners Talisman. Saturday: Topuddle Fringe, and a day of speakers and discussion with Martin Reeves & Roger McKenzie, 'Welfare Cuts', 'Fairtness At Work', Giles Fraser (tbc), Melisdsa Bann, Michael Rosen and Judith Kirton-Darling. Plus poetry & open mic and music in Martyrs Marquee from Emily Howard, POG, Phil 'Swill' Ogers, Skimmity Hitchers, and headliners The Skints. The Saturday evening will also see the launch of a brand new play telling the Tolpuddle Martyrs' story in drama and song called 'We will be Free', by Townend Productions. Sunday: The annual Martyrs March, Procession, Honour of the Martyrs, and Sunday Service, Freedom Hike from Dorchester prison to Tolpuddle. Plus speakers Lesley Mercer, Julia Long, Judith Kirton-Darling, David Wrighton, Betsy Loveless, and Frances O'Grady. There will be music in Martyrs Marquee from Tatty Smart MC, Lousie Distras, Pilar Lopez, Leon Fender Walker, Rosie Upton & Pete MacGregor, Michael Roach, Mels Allstars, and Quiet Loner. Main outdoor stage performances from Robb Johnson, Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies, Lady Maisery, Headsticks, Nidi D'arac, and with Billy Bragg rounding off the day. An online version of the festival programme is available at: http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/index.php?page=programme