Comment from the coal face

ly comment from the troops on the ground :

Michael Last, managing director of Portsmouth-based Formpalex (www.formaplex.com) which has just opened a new 47,000ft² factory to cater for increasing demand in automotive, F1 and aerospace tooling and component manufacture, said: “Advanced manufacturing is seeing huge growth and British companies have the opportunity to lead that growth.

“The Government has helped by increasing capital allowances – however the Chancellor can take an extra step by allowing companies to write off against tax 100% of capital expenditure in the year the expenditure occurs. This would be a real and simple way to support British industry at such a critical time. If Government plays its part, we will continue to expand and recruit more full time, highly skilled people for permanent positions. ”

Managing director of Dunstable precision engineering company High Tech Engineering (www.high-tech-eng.co.uk), Steve Tickner commented: “The Government’s renewed emphasis on manufacturing – especially this week’s announcement on aerospace – is encouraging. However we really need the Chancellor’s help to ensure any potential funding can filter down to the grass roots of manufacturing. Although he did mention small business in his speech, he needs to understand the challenges we face, not just FTSE 100 companies. With the right support we collectively, as small SMEs have the potential to make a significant impact on any supply chain. ”

Peter Marchbank, CEO of Bristol-based Third Dimension (www.third.com), a precision measurement specialist which has grown by 40% in the past year, remarked: “The Government has a vision for manufacturing but without action from the Chancellor, this is just dreaming – and there was little action in the Budget. He focused on the right areas but we’ve heard this before from Chancellors over the past decade. This particularly applies to skills where we are battling to secure the right skills sets. We need to get help to SMEs and we need more engineers – little about that today.”

Dave Bull, director of quality engineering consultancy TEC (www.tectransnational.co.uk) which is focused on skills development and quality in the aerospace industry, stated: “The Government has really got behind the aerospace industry this week and they clearly view it as important for UK manufacturing. However, the Chancellor has recognised the depletion in the skills base. He needs to do more on skills development, which the industry is crying out for. Mr Osborne needs to devote more resources to this area – there is little point investing in high tech machinery if there is no-one able to operate it.”

Tim Ryan, managing director of technology specialist Epigem in Redcar (www.epigem.co.uk), which has just secured €444,000 to develop the lighting of tomorrow, said: “We welcome incentives through the tax system for UK companies to protect their IP, develop their IP and secure their freedom to manufacture. Initiatives like R&D tax relief and Patent Box are fantastic in making the whole patenting process more affordable and manufacturing more profitable.

“Moving towards a single European patent with associated cost reductions is needed, similar to the situation in the United States. Although progress in this area is promising, the Chancellor needs to continue its efforts to ensure Europe becomes more competitive.”