MANUFACTURING THE FUTURE
UK manufacturing is the engine of our economy – we’re the 8th largest manufacturing in the world. The sector contributed £224bn GVA to the UK economy last year and delivered almost half the UK’s total goods exports. Manufacturing provides 2.6 million jobs with average wages 9% higher than the economy average.
Make UK analysis shows that if we grow manufacturing to account for 15% of GDP from 10%, we can increase the UK economy by £142bn, create more jobs and uplift regional investment.
In 2024, we’re calling on government to back manufacturing by:
- Developing and delivering a robust, long-term industrial strategy, focusing on both regional and national manufacturing
- Unlocking innovation and driving technology
- Creating a sustainable workforce
- Capitalising on the opportunities of a net zero economy
In 2023, we championed the manufacturing sector’s role in building resilient workplaces and workers, transitioning to a net zero economy and growing a strong industrial base in the UK
Here are some of our policy wins:
- £4.5 billion boost in funding for clean growth through the Advanced Manufacturing Plan – this is a plan we will work to evolve an industrial strategy.
- The full rollout of the Made Smarter adoption scheme in 2025, supporting digitalisation and sustainability in manufacturing.
- £50 million in funding for apprenticeships in engineering and other ‘key growth sectors’ in the next two years, supporting to manufacturers to invest in training.
- Full expensing of capital allowances on qualifying plant and machinery investments permanent which will drive investment, generate growth and increase competitiveness.
- Extension of CE marking recognition for businesses indefinitely, reducing trade barriers, operating costs and safeguarding British industry.
Our campaigns secured remarkable policy victories that fortify the future of the manufacturing sector, its resilience and future growth.
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We are #BackingManufacturing
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Capitalising on net zero economy
A net zero economy presents major opportunities for UK manufacturers. We must ensure manufacturers are able to take full advantage of this, producing sustainable goods and services for the future and ultimately lowering the price for the consumer.
Unlock innovation and drive technology
We must secure Britain’s industrial future by developing a long-term robust, modern industrial strategy, with skills, innovation, digitalization and infrastructure at its core. Such a strategy must also put a razor-light focus on reducing the barriers to doing business and trade for the UK to compete on the global stage.
Build long-term, robust industrial strategy
We must secure Britain’s industrial future by developing a long-term robust, modern industrial strategy, with skills, innovation, digitalization and infrastructure at its core. Such a strategy must also put a razor-light focus on reducing the barriers to doing business and trade for the UK to compete on the global stage.
Create a sustainable workforce
We must create a future-fit talent pipeline to power manufacturing and engineering into the future and ensure the existing workforce is equipped with the skills needed now and in the future.