However much some politicians concentrate on financial markets, the service sector and tourism, the UK is still the sixth largest manufacturer in the world and Hallamshire, the area around Sheffield, is the third largest manufacturing area in the country, said Mr Howell, a former director of UK steel producer Corus.

"It is absolutely clear that the bedrock of our manufacturing industries is vital to a prosperous future," he said.

"Political support could make it possible to aid companies through the taxation system, where the rules allow.

"This should be measured and lasting action, not just taxation 'tinkering' for short-term vote-catching – and it's not just about taxation, it's about how our taxes are spent.

"UK energy policy, or the lack of it, is a major cause for concern, as is the general national infrastructure and over-regulation.

"We have suffered too much from short-term political expediency and I shall be encouraging our politicians to take a more strategic and longer-term view," said Mr Howell.

The Master Cutler, head of the Cutlers' Company founded in Sheffield in 1624, traditionally acts as spokesman for the region's manufacturing industries.

He also provides a unique link between Sheffield and the City of London.

A life-long steelman, Mr Howell played a key part in developing, expanding and consolidating the use of steel in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries.

He has been much involved in international steel business, both with Corus, the UK steelmaking business and with the trade associations Eurofer and the International Iron and Steel Institute.

Although Mr Howell has spent a good portion of his working life in South Yorkshire, he is a native of the West Midlands, educated at King Edward VI School, Stourbridge, and the University of Bristol where he was awarded a BSc in Chemistry in 1970.

He then moved to Sheffield and held various commercial appointments with BSC special steels companies before joining private sector steel businesses in Manchester and Eastleigh.

In 1989, Mr Howell returned to South Yorkshire as commercial director of United Engineering Steels, a joint venture company between British Steel and GKN, later wholly owned by British Steel, which itself merged with the Dutch company, Hoogovens, to form Corus in 1999.

At Corus his later roles included Commercial Director of the Engineering Steels business, Commercial Director for Corus Group, Director for the Sections and Piling business and finally Director Construction for Corus, before retiring in 2006.

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