4 min read - 20 Apr, 2026
Manufacturers urge government to supercharge the ‘sovereign capability’ push according to new survey
UK manufacturing is ready to meet the call for more sovereign ‘production’ capability, according to a new survey, but industry will need government help to make it a reality.
The findings, which will be discussed at the launch of MACH 2026 today in Birmingham, reveal that thousands of firms are keen to support the national mission to reduce the UK’s manufacturing dependence on international partners, especially in the wake of recent global conflicts and economic uncertainty.
Of the 358 manufacturers questioned, 74% said they would be willing to do more to build up capacity in key sectors like defence, energy and transport, but only a quarter of these can meet demand straight away. The others said it would take up to six months to be able to help, which reveals a potential bottleneck in the supply chain if action isn’t taken now.
Manufacturing bosses said the biggest barrier was access to funding (34%), followed by lack of space (28%), cost of financing (27%) and economic uncertainty (24%). They called on government to help the ‘sovereign push’ by providing grants (59%), greater tax incentives (50%) and more support for training.
A new survey shows that 74% of manufacturers would be willing to do more to build up capacity in key sectors like defence, energy and transport.
James Selka, CEO of the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), which hosts MACH every two years, said: “We felt it was the right time to take the temperature of firms when it comes to building sovereign capability and reducing our critical overseas reliance. As you can see from the findings, there is a real appetite from industry to meet the challenge, but the message from our community is that it needs to be supercharged by the powers that be at No. 10 and the Treasury.
“Immediate access to finance appears to be the pivotal issue. With this in mind, it might be an idea for government to look at how they could support investment in critical sectors to help accelerate their expansion and access to capacity. We believe that this survey shows that there is a case for a ‘sovereign capability fund’ to support companies involved in defence, aerospace, med tech and energy, for instance.
“This is where the British Business Bank could step up and support more UK manufacturers to make vital components here. Germany’s Deutschlandfonds, which will lever in 130bn Euros, is a great example of what can be done if a national government is prepared to work closer with industry to encourage investment.”
The MTA’s snap survey also delved into early views of the much-anticipated Industrial Strategy. Feedback from the shopfloor suggests progress has been limited, with over half (55%) saying it has had no impact on their business and that they could not ‘see any way in which it would in the future’. When asked about what the government says it is delivering, the most meaningful benefit to manufacturers would be lower energy prices (57%), with UK firms battling some of the highest costs in the world.
UK manufacturing bosses cite access to funding (34%), lack of space (28%) and cost of financing (27%) as primary barriers to building sovereign capability / Picture: MTA
A targeted skills package was the second most popular answer, with greater investment in zero emissions vehicles manufacturing through grants and R&D support third.
James added: “We are approaching the first anniversary of the Industrial Strategy, and it is clear from our survey that industry, at best, remains unconvinced that it will deliver what is required. It came as no surprise that help with energy came out as the area where most support is required. This is what our members are telling us every day, and the impact of rising costs is making the UK uncompetitive against international rivals who enjoy far cheaper prices.
“Importantly, this is a message that must be heard and acted on. Our firms are feeling the pinch now and can’t wait five years for a raft of sustainable energy improvements to kick in.”
Set over five days at the NEC (20-24th April) in Birmingham, MACH 2026 is the biggest week in the UK’s industrial calendar and attracts an anticipated 30,000 people from the manufacturing community and more than 500 companies.
More than £250m of business is expected to be completed during the five days, as some of the country’s most innovative firms unveil new technologies and machines designed to boost productivity and global competitiveness.
MACH, which has a huge focus on sustainable manufacturing and carbon reduction through its six Knowledge Hubs and fourteen Technology Zones, is also a big attraction for young people looking for a career in industry, with 4,000 students (aged between 12 and 18) set to attend the show.
