4 minute read - 11th December 2024
Manufacturing business leaders call on MPs to unlock the sector’s potential
Manufacturing business leaders from across the UK gathered in Westminster to deliver a resounding message to Members of Parliament: “When manufacturing thrives, the nation thrives.”
Members of the Made in Group membership network attended the ‘Backing Britain’ Parliamentary Reception last week to highlight how a thriving manufacturing industry is essential for the country’s long-term economic prosperity and security. Set up to champion and promote UK industry, Made in Group is a collective of regional membership organisations representing all sectors of manufacturing and engineering. Approximately 85% of member companies are owner-managed small and medium-sized businesses.
The event, attended by more than 120 members, was an opportunity for MPs to hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. Business leaders urged MPs to prioritise manufacturing in the policy agenda to ensure continued growth and success.
Manufacturing business leaders from across the UK gathered in Westminster to deliver a resounding message to Members of Parliament: “When manufacturing thrives, the nation thrives.” / Picture: Made in Group
In his address, Lord Whitby, chairman of Made in Group, highlighted the sector’s overlooked economic impact. “Manufacturing contributes far more to GDP than the commonly cited 10%,” he said. “Research from Oxford University shows it underpins an additional 13% through indirect and induced economic impacts, contributing 23% to UK GDP in total.”
However, the sector still doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves, with many continuing to downplay its significance. “The lessons of Covid-19 are clear – we must sustain more of what we need ourselves,” Lord Whitby continued. “To do that, we need skilled workers, a business environment conducive to investment, and relief from exorbitant energy costs. The UK is the fourth largest exporter, the sixth largest economy, and until recently was among the top 10 manufacturing nations. What could we achieve with the right support and investment?”
Jason Pitt, CEO of Made in Group, praised the resilience and dedication of those working in the manufacturing sector, describing them as the “unsung heroes” of the UK economy. Calling on business leaders to engage more with government, he said; “Manufacturing is the backbone of our communities, country and economy. But for too long, we’ve avoided critical conversations about politics and policy. It’s time to change that. We must stand together, support one another and ensure our collective voice is heard.”
Central to the event was a call for the appointment of a dedicated Minister for Manufacturing – a role advocates argue is essential to address the sector’s challenges and seize growth. Andrea Wilson, director of Hone-All Precision and founder of the campaign for a Minister for Manufacturing, emphasised the need for policymakers to listen to small businesses. “Manufacturing doesn’t have a productivity problem; it has a policy problem. We’ve faced the same challenges for decades – skills shortages, ineffective policies and inaccessible funding. It’s time ministers stopped telling us what they think we need and started listening to what we actually need. By working together and shouting louder about UK manufacturing, we can drive real change.”
The event, attended by more than 120 Made in Group members, was an opportunity for MPs to hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector / Picture: Made in Group
Ilona Pitt, director of Made in Group, closed the event with a reflection on resilience; “Marcus Aurelius once said, ‘The obstacle is the way.’ For manufacturers, this mindset of turning obstacles into opportunities is second nature. Every challenge we face is an opportunity to innovate, collaborate and grow stronger together. When manufacturing thrives, the nation thrives.”
A bold vision for 2025
The Made in Group is dedicated to uniting and advancing the UK’s manufacturing and engineering sectors. As part of this mission, the Group has relaunched its ‘Backing Britain’ campaign to fundamentally reshape how the government engages with industry. The campaign calls for a shift from short-term fixes to long-term strategies to address systemic issues, including the skills gap, decarbonisation and commercialising innovation. Supporting the appointment of a Minister for Manufacturing is central to this effort; “This is not about politics as usual; it’s about ensuring that those making decisions understand the full impact of their policies,” said Jason Pitt. “We are laying the foundation to create a more resilient and prosperous future for Britain.”
