Graham Hayes, ceo of the Bradman Lake Group, has been elected chairman of the Engineering and Machinery Alliance (EAMA). The alliance, of which Picon is a founder member, comprises six associations representing over 1,000 firms operating in value added engineering, mostly as SMEs. Graham Hayes has held senior positions in packaging companies on both sides of the Atlantic for 20 years. Picon chief executive John Brazier comments: "Graham brings a wealth of valuable experience to the EAMA cause, which since its inception has made great strides in attracting the attention of government on the important issues affecting SMEs in the manufacturing industries. For printers and suppliers alike, there should be tangible benefits from EAMA's work in the future." Graham Hayes adds: "I look forward to bringing a positive message to government about this mostly unsung sector of British enterprise. These small and medium sized businesses are the lifeblood of UK manufacturing industry, bringing new products to market and supplying OEMs."