In a post-COVID-19 world, the nature of global manufacturing supply chains will have to change substantially to be sustainable. Growing concerns about the environment, the role of the national economy in day-to-day life, and national unemployment also mean that businesses are beginning to shift their priorities when it comes to how they want to manage their production.

The Corona virus crisis has highlighted how important it is for us all to work together - albeit at a distance. In British manufacturing, this has meant pooling our collective knowledge and resources across hundreds of miles and awkward, rolling restrictions on movement to create the best possible response to the biomedical engineering challenges created by the pandemic. Complex, vital machines, such as ventilators, brought together experts from sectors as varied as precision automotive engineering and clinically rated metal finishing in response the call to action from the Government and the need of the whole population.

This is a company that was set up for UK manufacturers to come together, to innovate as allies and to build networks closer to home.

And we are loving their new term for our wonderful engineering and manufacturing heroes – collaborationeers!

How perfectly this describes us all after the events and amazing achievements we’ve witnessed across the widest range of businesses and industries in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
For the last few months, we have been enjoying and applauding this new ethos of collaboration over competition - and this fabulous concept gives us the platform to harness the recent enthusiasm and recognition for UK manufacturers and manufacturing across the UK.

The last few months have been a time of seismic change for manufacturing industries across the globe. Despite the dark days of uncertainty, beams of hope have illuminated a future filled with potential. Here are some stand-out moments that show how companies have adapted to change.

Are you concerned about the practicalities of re-opening or continuing to trade safely after lockdown? If you’re feeling bewildered about the dates, the regulations, and the potential impact that everything will have on your business, you’re not alone.

Like most people in the UK, we breathed a sigh of relief last week. Although most restrictions are still in place, the atmosphere has changed. Businesses are becoming more optimistic and forward-looking, and are springing into action again across the country. It’s great to see.