Manufacturing the Future

THE VOICE OF UK INDUSTRY LEADERS

Manufacturing The Future – the first in a series of research reports produced by BDO where we surveyed nearly 1,500 engineers and manufacturers to further understand the current state of manufacturing and more importantly, the actions needed to make UK manufacturing a key part of the economy for the next decade.

The survey covers four strategic areas: the economy and the role of manufacturing in the economy, the importance of Government in enabling growth in manufacturing, access to funding and sustainability and its implications for the cost of energy.

Click here to download the report

As part of Manufacturing the Future, manufacturers outline their wishlist for government support to expedite growth, calling for:

• the establishment of an industrial bank;
• a revamp of the education system to develop the skills needed for the sector;
• more patriotism when awarding large UK Government-funded contracts;
• a more supportive tax system
• more innovation from government in providing funding support to the sector (to provide an alternative to the banks);
• intelligent work with the global economy in order to maximise growth over the next 10 years; and
• more focus of exports on BRIC, CIVETS and other emerging economies to reduce export dependence on the Eurozone.

This survey shows that engineers and manufacturers believe that UK manufacturing has a future within the UK and should continue to be successful over the next decade but also that the sector needs long term, consistent and planned help to achieve its full potential.  If there was one over-riding message from the survey and comments received it is simply “words are not enough”.