The turbulent times our economy has experienced have refocused attention on the importance of manufacturing.
This report – our manifesto for manufacturing – sets out to explain what manufacturing is today, and what it can contribute to our economy.
These days manufacturing is about far more than just making things, though that’s still central to what many manufacturers do. Companies have added a growing focus on design and innovation and a range of service offerings to the mix.
In our vision for the future, UK manufacturers will be large and global as well as small, 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. Their innovative outlook will give them a sustainable competitive advantage, making manufacturing an attractive career option for engineers and entrepreneurs alike.
Fulfilling this vision will make major demands on our manufacturers. We believe they are up to the challenge, but the government will need to back manufacturing with a long-term strategy to help them.
Our report sets out the actions that government and manufacturers need to take to put the UK on the path to a more dynamic, diverse and durable economy.