EEF blog

Back in July 2009 EEF Published Manufacturing Our Future. In this we commented that:

“Just as today’s internet giants began life with one computer in a garage, advances in design and digital manufacturing mean that tomorrow’s manufacturing multinationals will start from equally humble beginnings.”

And an article in this week’s economist suggests that 3D printing could be just the technological advance that drives advances in tomorrow’s manufacturing:

“As with computing in the late 70s it [3D printing] is currently the preserve of hobbyists and workers in a few academic and industrial niches. But like computing before it, 3D printing is spreading fast as the technology improves and costs fall.”

In fact, 3D printing could be a real game-changer for industry

“By reducing the barriers to entry for manufacturing [it should] promote innovation. If you can design a shape on a computer, you can turn it into an object. You can print a dozen, see if there is a market for them, and print 50 more if there is, modifying the design using feedback from early users. This will be a boon to inventors and start-ups, because trying out new products will become less risky and expensive.”

And 3D printing really could be open to anyone. An exciting example of this is the RepRap project which was showcased at NESTA’s recent personal manufacturing seminar. RepRap have developed a replicating 3D printer that prints about 50% of its own parts, with the other parts are easy to obtain from a hardware shop or online. RepRap has a website called Thingiverse, where you can download designs that others have created to print on your printer.

With costs of 3D printing falling (the Economist notes that a 3D printer now costs less than a laser printer did in 1985) the potential for a paradigm shift in how we produce is really here. Open-source designs combined with simple production methods could lead to a form of modern manufacturing which combines elements of mass- and bespoke-production.
 

Back in March, the BBC published wonderful photos of UK manufacturing in the 1950s, but we questioned why the BBC persisted in showing manufacturing as smoke stacks or flying sparks in their contemporary coverage.

Half-joking, half-serious we challenged them to promote a positive image of manufacturing through a photo competition.

But instead of waiting for the Beeb to respond, EEF have set up our own photography competition. 

The contest invites amatuers and professional photographers of all ages to produce the best images of modern manufaturing - everything from the talented technicians in the lab, to the high-tech reality of the shop floor.

It's a wonderful opportunity to change the image of manufacturing by taking photos as beautiful as the Maurice Bloomfield images from the 1950s.

Not since National Insurance Contributions were first introduced to fund the new welfare state, can a change in their rate have generated so much attention. Though the ferocity of the debate has been surprising, it's not hard to see why it's become such an important issue.  With the next government facing a massive task to reduce the public sector deficit, business naturally worries that it will end up footing a significant part of the bill. The two half point increases in NIC rates therefore sent out the wrong signal to business, particularly as the second one funded an increase in government spending rather than paying down the deficit.  For manufacturers struggling to rebuild their margins after a particularly serious recession, this increase in costs was also particularly unwelcome.

Manufacturers were therefore pleased by the Conservatives' announcement of a partial reversal of the NICs increase but for many the welcome was a wary one. Until we get the full details of how the next government will reduce the deficit, manufacturers can't start making plans for the future with any degree of confidence. And that's why the level of debate this week has been so disappointing if not surprising.    

Over the coming weeks, we challenge all the main parties to start debating the real issues. For example, what will be the balance in spending cuts between capital and current spending?  How will they go about deciding which areas to cut? Do they have any fresh ideas about the relative roles of the public and private sector in providing public services? And how can the government start to reform the tax system to create a more balanced economy?     

Manufacturers won't be holding their breath that they will get much clarity on these issues in the next month but is vital that the next government starts to answer these questions very soon after May 6th.

So now we have confirmation of what everyone has been expecting for months - the General Election will be held on the 6th May. 

Arguably (and quite understandably, given recent events) this will be the first election since 1992 where the economy will be the dominating issue.  And all of the political parties are bending over backwards to say how critical they believe manufacturing will be to the UK's economic future. 

We've already heard some proposals about how each Party would support our sector (whether it's the current Government's New Industry, New Jobs Agenda, or the Opposition's suggestions in the Dyson Review) but over the next few weeks manufacturers are likely to be listening intently to see which of them has a real vision for placing manufacturing at the heart of a better-balanced economy.  Hopefully this is something that will feature in the televised Leaders' debate on the economy (taking place in the week beginning, 26 April), rather than just a debate about the timing of deficit reduction (as important as this is).

We will be blogging on relevant issues throughout the campaign and you can read more about what we would like to see from the next government by downloading our manufacturing manifesto, which has been sent to candidates in all of the major parties. 

Assembling a bearing, British Timken Works, Daventry, Northamptonshire 1957. Photograph by Maurice Broomfield, courtasy HOST Gallery.

The BBC has some beautiful pictures by Maurice Broomfield of factories across the UK in the 1950s. They are definitely worth a look.

But worringly - and in keeping with how the BBC portrays manufacturing - the piece leads off suggesting the 1950s and 60s was "an age in which Britain's industry was at its zenith".

Well, the sector is now bigger, leaner and more innovative as well as greener, safer and more efficient than it was in the 1950s and 60s. Yet the BBC insists on showing clips of industry rooted in dated myths of dirt and decline.

Maybe the BBC should commission another set - or better yet, hold a photographic competition to celebrate British industry, rather than constantly relying on stock footage.

As part of a three-part series, Stephen Radley, EEF's Director of Policy and External Affairs, is assessing the future for UK manufacturing. The first installment looked at how UK manufacturers weathered the recession, the second piece looked at the prospects for growth and this third - which coincides with the launch of EEF's Manifesto for Manufacturing - sets out what the next government should do to rebalance the economy.

 
Steve Radley lobbying Teresa May MP at the recent Conservative Party Spring Forum

Earlier this week, we've looked at how the resilience of UK manufacturing should help it tackle the challenges and opportunities of the next ten years. But the shift to a better balanced economy will happen in fits and starts - and it's up to government to set out and implement a clear, coherent strategy for facilitating that shift.

Whoever forms the next government faces a daunting task. The decisions made in the first 100 days will have long-term implications: they will determine our ability to generate the growth and prosperity, to fund much needed infrastructure improvements and to create job opportunities across our society.

The next government must, therefore, put in place a strategy that ensures that we can pay our way in the world. 

And a diverse and dynamic manufacturing base must be a part of that strategy. 

It is clear the next government needs to develop a credible plan for reducing the large fiscal deficit it inherits.  But how it goes about this will be critical.  Its plan must be centred on reductions in public spending, driven by significant improvements in the effectiveness of the public sector, strict control over costs and a fundamental rethink of what government does.

The alternative approach of saddling Britain with significant tax rises, particularly on business, would be highly damaging. It would weaken our competitiveness, undermine businesses’ ability to invest in growth and jobs, and send out the wrong signal to international companies looking at where to put their next investment.  

But the choice for the next government cannot be just a negative one - we will only overcome our problems if we know where we want to go.

In our Manifesto for Manufacturing we set out how the next government should refresh itself to become more focused and effective. We suggest reforms that will create an internationally competitive business environment that sends the right signals to would-be investors. And we set out a proactive agenda for growth.

It must send clear signals about its long-term priorities and the importance it attaches to specific technologies or markets and work more closely with business to identify and overcome the obstacles to growth in these markets. It also needs to engage much better with industry in conveying its long-term needs when it is buying goods and services from it. Finally, at a time when finances are extremely tight, a new government must prioritise spending in areas that will deliver sustainable economic growth.

We also need a business environment that encourages manufacturers to make their next investment here.  For example, the tax system must reflect the true cost of modern machinery, while we need to maintain the advantages of a flexible labour market and address longstanding concerns over regulation by developing a new approach that costs and limits the amount of new and existing regulations and by strengthening the assessment it makes of the impact of new regulations. 

More positively, the government can help manufacturers to take advantage of growing world markets by creating a single source of finance to support ambitious, growing companies that are making long-term and risky investments and by ensuring we have the world class export support that UK Trade that helps these companies to develop new markets abroad.

It must also ensure that the education system delivers the science, technology and engineering skills industry needs and that it is straightforward for companies to access the training that they need. Manufacturers must also feel confident that they won’t be facing an energy crunch, five years ahead. 

It is vital that the government delivers on these priorities but ultimately it is down to manufacturers to take advantage of the opportunities that are out there.

In that respect we can take a lot of confidence that UK manufacturing is a very different animal from what it was even ten years ago - because the path to a more prosperous Britian will be built by a stronger manufacturing base.

Phil Kite, MD Astrum (UK) with Lord Bates, Shadow Cabinet minister and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, at EEF's North East Regional Council.

I am the Managing Director of Astrum (UK) Limited, based in Stanhope, County Durham. We are an engineering business with a workforce of ~250 and operate in the Defence, Earth Moving, Intermodal and General Engineering business sectors.

In the Defence market we are a world leading designer and manufacturer of track systems and running gear for Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs). We also supply structural steel castings used in the manufacture of AFVs. For the Commercial sector we manufacture high integrity cast steel products and assemblies for the earthmoving, intermodal and general engineering market sectors.

My background was originally in finance, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young and I joined Astrum as Financial Accountant, becoming Managing Director in 1995. In 2006 I led a Management Buy Out of the business.

Everyone in manufacturing or business in general will say it’s challenging. Over the last two years we have seen each of the business sectors in which we operate effected by the recession. The challenge is to weather the effects of the downturn and make our business fit for the future, so we can immediately benefit when there is an upturn, i.e. plan for growth. 

The UK needs manufacturing but not everyone understands why.

To me it is the foundations on which almost every other business is based! Unfortunately we have lost a lot of manufacturing offshore and it is no good relying on financial / legal businesses to prop up the economy as they will follow the same path. We need to encourage government to take action to retain and develop manufacturing in the UK.

For those businesses that adopt continuous improvement at their heart, who provide exceptional quality, service and delivery and have a competitive product or service, their future prospects are good. For industry as a whole confidence needs to return to the market place before things improve. That is why government could do more to encourage investment through improved capital allowances.

And as one of the largest employer in Weardale with over 250 employees drawn from the surrounding area, Astrum is also critical to the future of the local economy. The next government could make it clear manufacturing is key to the UK economy, including heavy engineering, and encourage schools to recommend manufacturing as a career!

Phil Kite
Managing Director
Astrum (UK) Ltd

I am the managing director of a Welsh-based precision engineering company, that will soon celebrate 50 years in the industry.  Employing 80 people, we are design and manufacture toolmakers at the service end of manufacturing, supplying other manufacturers with the moulds, press tools and machining services they need to make their own individual products.

As a result, there is a small amount of our technical expertise in most food, drink, cosmetic packaging, cars and medical devices around Europe, and in some cases the world.

Over the years making things has become ‘unfashionable’, but the UK has just had a hard lesson in the folly of an unbalanced economy. Balance is important in everything we do from economics, to our business and personal lives. Unbalanced things can collapse unexpectedly!

Whilst the UK is part of Europe, we also need to remember that we are a small island with a developed appetite as consumers.  Sustainable indigenous manufacturing is important in supplying some of this demand.  The recession has also taught us the national value of exports and the potential downsides of imports.

Looking ahead, UK manufacturing has a significant challenge.  In the global market place, many of our competitors have the advantage of very low labour rates. China is a classic example where people earn a fraction of what is paid in the UK. Any product with a high labour content is at risk of moving out to the Far East as the transport and import duty do not erode this off shore advantage.

Therefore the future of manufacturing in the UK is all about high added value, high quality, innovative products and local supply chains. For this to happen, we need to be serious as a nation about making things, and the Government needs a clear industrial strategy that supports manufacturing business.  Higher levels of employment for our people is likely to result.

Quite clearly to replace what we have lost over the years, there is going to be a need for significant investment in new products, processes and facilities to fulfil this strategy.

The Government needs to ensure that there is effective support for business, including the need to be a business friendly taxes regime, direct support for the development of our people’s skills and a reduction in red tape on employment. We have to make the UK an easy place to do business and make things.

As somebody once said - give us the tools and we will do the job.

Gareth Jenkins
Managing Director
FSG Tool & Die Ltd

NOTE: As part of a three-part series, Stephen Radley, EEF's Director of Policy and External Affairs, is assessing the future for UK manufacturing. The first installment looked at how UK manufacturers weathered the recession, this second piece looks at the prospects for growth and the third - which will coincide with the launch of EEF's Manifesto for Manufacturing - will set out what the next government can do to rebalance the economy.

In my initial piece, I set out how UK manufacturing changed itself to remain successful - and survived the recession - despite facing competition from low-cost economies, a strong pound and rising costs.

Having weathered the worst of the last ten years, UK manufacturing is already preparing for the challenges and opportunities of this decade. At the end of the coming decade, manufacturers in the UK will need to have changed yet again.

In our vision for UK manufacturers, they will be large and global or small and capable and ambitious enough to grow into the multinationals of tomorrow. Their close relationships with customers and suppliers, investors and innovators will allow them to respond flexibly and quickly to market demands. And their innovative outlook will give them a sustainable competitive advantage and make them an attractive career option for engineers and entrepreneurs alike. In sum, they will need to become more diverse, agile and innovative.

The opportunities for generating growth will depend upon our openness to global markets, our focus on knowledge plus high value products and services, and our exploitation of fast growing markets. But given the challanges facing the sector, it will undoubtedly evolve in fits and starts, matching the disruptive tendencies inherent in global, open and flexible markets. Only a stronger, globally-focused manufacturing sector will help generate the wealth needed to correct our economic imbalances and contribute to broader national prosperity.

Indeed, the challenges facing our society - dramatic demographic shifts, strategic security challenges and serious environmental concerns - are also the potential markets for manufacturers. At the same time, we can’t be complacent that we can sit back and let these markets come to us. Manufacturers will need to be alert, agile and ambitious.

UK manufacturing is extremely well placed to take advantage of the markets created by the major challenges facing the world. 

In the low carbon economy, we have significant strengths in areas such as low carbon vehicles, engine technology, nuclear power and renewable energy such as offshore wind and marine.  But in other areas such as global security, we have significant strengths in aerospace and defence and electronics, as we do in healthcare technology and pharmaceuticals to meet the challenges presented by an ageing population.  

The UK needs an economy that is diverse enough to prevent the future build up of economic imbalances, robust enough to face its long term challenges and dynamic enough to turn those challenges into opportunities. 

In short, we need an economy that draws more heavily on productive, high value sectors with greater export potential.

While it may seem a daunting challenge, manufacturers are well placed to put themselves at the heart of healthy economy.

EEF's 'Manufacturing Week' is making waves in the US.

At their request, I've been talking about Manufacturing Week on the manufacturing social network MfGCrunch. Here's an exerpt from my post:

"With an election looming and our economy crawling out of recession, the simple objective of 'Manufacturing Week' is to put manufacturing at the heart of the debate on the future of the UK economy.

In the UK, the manufacturing sector is plagued by persistent myths - that manufacturing is in decline, that we don't make anything anymore, that industry is dirty and dangerous, that successful kids go to college while the slow ones work in manufacturing, and - even more dangerous - that we can keep the clever stuff in the UK and send the production abroad.

These myths are rooted in dated images of industry and sit awkwardly with the widely accepted need to 'rebalance' the economy by growing manufacturing.

But what to do about it?

Well, the answer was simple - start standing up and shouting about what makes modern manufacturing so great - and so competitive - in the UK.

See, for the past 20 years, we've had bankers and lawyers pushing politicians to support a 'post-industrialist' society. They got what they wanted because they made politicians take notice.

But instead of griping about the recession they caused, we decided to take a page from the bankers' playbook and start 're-educating' the public and our politicians about modern manufacturing and why the sector is so important to the future of our economy.

As part of this campaign, we launched 'Manufacturing Week' to allow UK manufacturers to stand up for themselves, to be heard and to get in politicians' ears.

We've had special reports in the Telegraph, the Financial Times and The Times - all showing modern manufacturing as the diverse and dynamic industry it is.

And manufacturers are hosting events all around the country and blogging on why manufacturing matters.

Sure, it's been a struggle. UK manufacturers are modest by nature - they just like to get on with being a successful business.

But get them going and their passion is contagious."