Five manufacturing trade bodies call for long-term industry plan

With a general election coming up, the leaders of five of most successful manufacturing sectors, called the Manufacturing Five (M5), are calling on all political parties to unite around a long-term vision for UK manufacturing.

With a combined turnover of £309bn, the M5 has come together to propose an essential new ‘manifesto for growth,’ which sets out the critical actions needed to drive the competitiveness and growth of innovative manufacturing.

The five-point manifesto sets out the reforms necessary for the UK to close the gap with global competitors and unlock the potential for manufacturing to drive prosperity and pride across the UK.

The plan focuses on building the workforce of tomorrow, regulating for growth, supporting innovation, leadership in sustainability, and securing Britain's place as a leading trading nation.

The report underscores the critical importance of advanced manufacturing in shaping the UK's future. It stresses the need for a coherent, long-term strategy to ensure their continued success.

Vital for the UK economy, the M5 sectors span life sciences, chemicals, food and drink, automotive, aerospace, defence, security and space, and employ nearly one million people in roles that are 46% more productive than the national average. Moreover, these sectors are responsible for over £2 out of every £5 invested in research and development (R&D) by UK businesses.

Despite these strengths, the sectors have faced disruptions and changes in operating environments, resulting in significant challenges to overcome, in addition to a new era of global competition driven by targeted national industrial strategies.

To meet these challenges head-on, any future government must play a central role by creating the conditions for UK manufacturing to thrive and innovate. This approach is essential in generating new job opportunities, supporting British innovation, and encouraging investment across all nations and regions of the UK.

The report outlines five pillars to drive sustained growth:

1. Building the workforce of tomorrow - developing a skilled and adaptable workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
2. Regulation for growth - implementing policies and regulations that foster innovation and growth within the manufacturing sectors.
3. Delivering an innovation nation - prioritising innovation as an essential element for manufacturing growth.
4. Harnessing Britain’s place in the world - capitalising on the UK's global presence to promote its manufacturing industries.
5. Delivering a sustainable future - working in partnership with businesses to support the transition to more sustainable manufacturing approaches.

Kevin Craven, Chief Executive of the ADS Group (Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space), said: “The UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors are an engine of economic growth and a hub of technological breakthroughs and innovation. The rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the pressing need to meet the UK’s Net Zero commitments and increasing international competition have brought our sectors to a crucial turning point.

“On behalf of our 1300 members, we’re proud to support our pioneering industries as they cement the UK’s position as a global manufacturing powerhouse.”

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “The UK is a global production powerhouse, with manufacturing supporting a million skilled jobs across the country and driving exports worldwide. As home to one of the most diverse automotive manufacturing industries in the world, Britain benefits immensely from the sector’s impact, with vehicles among the country’s most valuable export goods. A strong industrial strategy can seize the ample opportunities for economic growth, employment and decarbonisation, and support the UK’s competitiveness as a high-tech, high-value workshop for the world.”

Manufacturing 5
Read the manifesto here