Manufacturing is vital for the UK economy!
Of course there are many who have continued to say this for years; probably never stopped saying it – even during that period when many were convinced that the UK would be a leading edge service led economy – and manufacturing: well that’s all gone East hasn’t it?.
But now, following the mother of all economic downturns and a recognition that too much service industry and not enough manufacturing creates a dangerous imbalance; a mood that has been growing gradually has suddenly found full flourish with a clear commitment by government to supporting the development of new technologies and new forms of manufacture to position the UK as a leading edge balanced economy for the 21st century. Key sector focused Growth Hubs, Technology and Innovation Centres and a high profile Manufacturing Technology Centre are all on the agenda.
In a report released in the last week the Engineering Employers Federation is calling for a significant rise in the number of new manufacturing companies and in a joint report with the Royal Bank of Scotland is urging the government to support growth within existing and new manufacturing companies to create the job growth that the UK economy will need in the next few years.
Local areas need to quickly assess where and how they can be part of this emerging new movement for action and how they and the businesses of today and the businesses of tomorrow that will drive forward their local economy can benefit. And of course, if you are in to manufacturing and have new technology innovations to bring to the fore, there might be opportunities in it for you too!
