Under the spotlight

Sajid Javid who replaces Liberal Democrat Vince Cable. As part of the reshuffle, Anna Soubry will replace Matthew Hancock as Small Business Minister.

In many ways manufacturing has been the saviour of the economy in recent years and the sector remains in relatively buoyant good health. I’m sure most would agree that Vince Cable did a pretty good job during his tenure as Business Secretary in raising the profile of the industry. I know from conversations I’ve had with the MTA that he was keen to work closely with the association and regular meetings took place. In my opinion, Mr Cable wanted to see manufacturing put back on the map where it rightfully belongs.

But nothing lasts forever and now the spotlight is firmly focused on the recently appointed Mr Javid. Lancashire born, his pedigree is impressive. He joined Chase Manhattan Bank in New York immediately from university, working mostly in South America. At the ripe old age of 25, he became the youngest vice-president in the history of the bank. After returning to London in 1997, he joined Deutsche Bank, holding a number of senior positions. His political career began in 2009, advancing to the position of Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and Minister for Equalities.

The bottom line however is that Mr Javid’s background is in the financial sector and time will tell if he has what it takes to fly the flag for UK manufacturing. I’ve seen him on Question Time a few times and he seems passionate and knowledgeable. Time will tell; he has no small business experience.

Mr Javid will be supported by Anna Soubry who moves into the role of Small Business Minister. Ms Soubry is a former regional television presenter and barrister who joined the government as a health minister in 2012 and she’s certainly not afraid to speak her mind. I recall one particularly lively fracas with Nigel Farrage on Question Time in the not too distant past.

So I wish both individuals the very best of luck in their new roles – but they’ll need to deliver. Manufacturing success has been notoriously cyclical over the past 20 years or so and we need a Government that is fully behind its well-being and prosperity for the future. We’re in a good place at the moment – we need to stay there.

Dave Tudor
Editor/Director