UK must make most of change
News date: 10/03/2010
UK must make most of change
Feb 23 2010 by Sarah Green, The Journal
THE entire economy benefits from a healthy manufacturing base and it provides us with the security and adaptability to change that is only possible with economic diversity.
For example, as the UK moves towards a low-carbon economy, manufacturers will be at the forefront of this change, developing new techniques and processes, creating new skills, products and technologies, opening new markets and areas of growth.
There is now a real opportunity for a resurgence in UK manufacturing. But manufacturers also need to see effective leadership and vision from Government to make the most of this opportunity.
The Government’s 2008 Manufacturing Strategy was welcomed by CBI members both in setting a vision for British manufacturing and as a response to the pressures created by the downturn. The strategy focused around five inter-related dynamics: global value chains, pace of technology exploitation, intangibles, people and skills and the move to a low-carbon economy. Much has already been achieved in implementing this strategy, and taking it further with the Advanced Manufacturing Strategy launched in July 2009, but there is much still to do. The new Government must continue to deliver on the commitments made in the UK’s recent Manufacturing Strategies, which were developed in close collaboration with business.
Effort is still required to map related strategies – for example, in defence, low carbon, innovation, health and our digital future. Vertical strategies for key sectors need to mesh with horizontal enabling strategies, such as on skills, IP and the development of cross-cutting technologies, and with top-level policies on health, defence, the environment etc, to ensure UK manufacturing can reach its full potential.
We must also ensure the UK is positioned well to take advantage of overseas growth and export opportunities.
International competition to attract and retain manufacturing is fierce and the UK must position itself as a world-leading destination for long-term investment.
It is vital the new Government demonstrates ambition and leadership to strengthen UK manufacturing for the future. A conscious effort is required to ensure the UK business environment is conducive to manufacturers – this must start with a coherent approach to policy across government.