Jim Davison is the new manufacturing champion for Kent, Medway and the south east.

As the region's new director at the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF), he is promoting the interests of some 45,000 manufacturers employing 687,000 people and contributing £44bn to the economy.

These firms are seen as the job creators that will compensate for job losses across the public sector. The EEF expects industry to out-perform the rest of business over the next 12 months.

"Manufacturing in the south east has a key role to play in delivering economic prosperity and jobs," Mr Davison said.

"This region is home to the largest number of manufacturing companies in the country and as such it is vital that the voice of industry is heard at all levels of government, particularly as we focus on creating a sustainable recovery during 2011."