THE collapse of MG Rover and the loss of 5,000 jobs at its West Midland’s Longbridge plant have brought to the fore the complex issue of how Kent manufacturers can remain profitable.

Getting pay levels right is a key part of the equation and will be the subject of a talk by Gerry Cassell, recruitment and business expert, at an East Kent Manufacturing and Engineering Network Meeting, organised by Business Link Kent (BLK).

Mr Cassell, chairman of the New Appointments Group, has extensive knowledge of Kent’s labour market and will be sharing this with businessmen and women on Thursday, June 9, at Thanet College, Broadstairs.

Tarrina Miller, BLK's manufacturing and engineering sector facilitator, said: "This is an excellent opportunity for county businesses to gain an insight into current local salaries and benefits and how they are evolving in the economic climate.

"The talk will be relevant for anyone who finds themselves constantly having to defend salary levels to employees, struggling to attract staff to their businesses, or who have similar issues to deal with."

NAG invests more than £100,000 a year in maintaining an extensive database of human resources information. It studies skills availability, employment trends, policies and best practice, market pay rates and benefits packages.

To book a free place log on to www.eventskent.com or contact Business Link Kent on 01732 878555, events@businesslinkkent.com.