In August 2021, John Penrose, MP for Weston-Super-Mare, backed the Institute for Prosperity’s 10-point plan for the revival of the UK’s manufacturing industry after Covid and Brexit, citing the ‘big, structural changes to our education system, our economy, and our society’ that are needed to reverse ‘the long, low decline of British manufacturing’.
Once the bastion of the Industrial Revolution, UK manufacturing has confronted unprecedented challenges in the last two years, in particular the ‘double whammy’ of Covid-19 and Brexit.
With NetZero the ambitious environmental target for 2050, manufacturers are also faced with the challenge of adopting low-carbon energies, with the associated funding obstacles that this will bring.
Despite the turbulence the industry has faced, the UK still doesn’t have a dedicated Minister or Commissioner for Manufacturing – despite so many persuasive reasons why this should be a priority:
Independent Voice
The UK’s manufacturing industry is large and varied, with an annual output worth £192bn to the national economy. As the world’s tenth largest exporter, and with a significant role in Research and Development (R&D), the UK is the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world.
Yet the impact of Covid-19 has proven that, in turbulent times, an independent voice is needed to ensure the industry’s best interests are considered and collaboration of the UK Supply Chain is promoted.
With any decline in output certain to inflict serious consequences on the economy as a whole, propelling manufacturing to the top of the policy agenda through proper representation is a logical step.
Standing Up For SMEs
99% of the 140,000 active manufacturing businesses in the UK are Micro and Small to Middle-sized enterprises (SMEs), whose long-term success depends on strong representation – especially in the changing global economic landscape.
A Commissioner for Manufacturing would devote time to supporting SMEs to succeed, promoting their interests at home and abroad, particularly to navigate the post-Brexit regulations and to remain competitive in the face of cheaper, inferior imports from Asia and the Far East.
Dedicated To Manufacturing
If the solution to growing UK manufacturing lies in education, the economy, and society, as John Penrose describes, then a minister who is dedicated to the sector is crucial.
Whereas the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the newly appointed Minister for Industry have very broad portfolios, of which manufacturing is only one element, a separate Commissioner for Manufacturing would promote the needs and interests of manufacturers to the head of the agenda and be able to work with ministerial colleagues to achieve the top-level changes required.
Hone-All: Leading The Way In Specialist Precision Engineering
At Hone-All, our Director, Andrea Wilson, is at the forefront of the campaign for a dedicated Commissioner for Manufacturing, reflecting our commitment and passion to secure, support and promote the UK Supply Chain as well as ensure the UK remains a global powerhouse in the field.
To find out more about our cutting-edge precision engineering services for businesses at home and abroad, please call us on 01525 370666 and to join our campaign, connect with Andrea on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-wilson-34497813/ and follow #shoutaboutukmfg #supportukmfg #ukmanufacturing #ukfg
