Industry leaders from across UK advanced manufacturing have welcomed the Government’s landmark Advanced Manufacturing Plan backed by billions to boost Britain’s manufacturing sector, announced by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch today.
The package of measures will build on our existing strengths in manufacturing and offer certainty to business by building on our successful programmes and committing more than £4.5 billion to 2030 in targeted funding to back the long-term future of the UK’s world leading industries as well as supporting SMEs through extending and expanding our Made Smarter digital adoption programme through this decade.
The Plan outlines key measures to improve the business environment and attract investment, including faster grid connections, full expensing and more apprenticeships.
Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation said: “A battery strategy is very welcome and much needed. Having a joined-up battery plan in place will be critical for the UK economy to benefit fully from new technological opportunities going forward, and we must ensure that manufacturing involves the entire supply chain, right from design to manufacturing and recycling, closely connecting car and battery industries.
“Recycling will also be very important to recover those critical materials that are essential for the low-carbon economy, and this joined up Advanced Manufacturing Plan will help deliver better coordination across the whole of the clean energy sectors.
“Make UK and industry will continue to work with the government on the practicalities of this plan, including how to incorporate manufacturing supply chains. These supply chains have a key role in supplying components and services for clean energy in the future low-carbon economy and we must ensure that the full potential is delivered to enable our companies to compete on the global stage.”
Karen Betts, Chief Exec at the Food and Drink Federation said: “The advanced manufacturing plan will provide critical support to the UK’s largest manufacturing sector in helping to unlock innovative investments in food and drink businesses. The £4.5billion of funding will help to derisk and incentivise investments focused on the transition to net zero and strengthening food security while the expansion of Made Smarter will particularly help SMEs. Making full expensing permanent will support businesses across the sector, boosting productivity and growth.
Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry added: “We’ve long believed that the UK has the potential to be a world leader in advanced and sustainable medicines manufacturing. This £520 million in support announced by the government will supercharge UK life sciences manufacturing, combatting the increasing international competition to attract major manufacturing investment.
“Added to our existing strengths and technical expertise in manufacturing innovation, this announcement is a major step forward in delivering on our shared ambitions for long term growth.”
