Prisk was touring the CEA’s Construction Equipment showcase at the Department of Business and Innovation Skills in central London when he heard pleas from manufacturers.

Companies and representatives lobbying the minister included Rob Oliver, Chief Executive CEA (Construction Equipment Association), who also represented Datatag, Faiz Ahmad, Vice President Terex, Jacqueline Anderson, Central Marketing Director Terex, Andrew Barker, Managing Director Taylor Construction Plant, Junaid Makda Marketing Executive Nylacast Ltd, Nigel Basely Director Perkins Engines and Philip Bouverat Director, JCB.

Prisk said: “The construction equipment industry is one of the UK’s most dynamic sectors, and contributes £8.5 billion to our economy each year.

“Most people don’t realise that the UK is the second largest net exporter of construction equipment in the world. Over 75 per cent of products manufactured in the UK are exported to 150 countries world-wide. That is an impressive figure.

“This showcase is just one of the steps this Government is taking to demonstrate just how innovative and world-leading our manufacturing base is here in the UK, and change perceptions that as a country we don’t make anything anymore.

“Image is important, but we also need to ensure that businesses get the support they need to grow. This is why we have rolled out initiatives such as the £125 million Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative and recently re-launched the Manufacturing Advisory Service.”

CEA chief executive Rob Oliver said: “We were delighted when BIS approached the CEA to stage the first ever construction equipment industry showcase at its headquarters.

“There is a growing awareness that Britain’s construction equipment sector is a major force in manufacturing and worth billions to the UK economy; this showcase is the perfect platform to shout about just how ‘great’ Britain is.

“The ‘Constructing the Future’ showcase is also all about encouraging new blood into the industry. Engineers, skilled operators – there are huge opportunities in the UK construction equipment sector which currently employs more than 55,000 people.”

The Showcase is on until May 25 and is also promoting the forthcoming Plantworx construction machinery exhibition.

Exhibits include world leading engine technology from Cat/Perkins and the Ecolite mobile lighting tower from T.C.P.

JCB is showing the new 8018 CTS mini -excavator with a Union Jack as part of its livery and Terex is showing its leading wheeled dumper truck. Nylacast is showing its pioneering engineering polymer solutions.

The CESAR anti-theft scheme, delivered by Datatag, is also a key feature to the showcase.

Construction machinery scale models are also on display and an interactive competition will encourage visitors to participate to identify the data dot and win one of the models.