Call for new Minister for Manufacturing
Nearly three quarters of small to medium sized manufacturers would like to see a Government Minister appointed whose brief is dedicated to their sector.
The survey by after market technology specialist SamsonVT finds 71% of firms believe their fortunes would be improved with a Minister for Manufacturing.
Research also found that inflation was viewed as the manufacturing sector’s largest challenge, with almost four fifths of firms interviewed listing it as a threat to their business.
This was followed by the deteriorating value of the pound (40%), import and export regulations (39%) and mounting wage pressures (29%).
Responsibility for manufacturing currently sits under the remit of the Minister of State for Industry – a role that also covers retail, consumer goods, personal care, professional and business services, hospitality, weddings and nightclubs.
The survey found just 9% thought the industry’s current plight would not be improved if there was a Minister who was solely focused on manufacturing.
SamsonVT chief executive Sam Burgess said: “British manufacturers have been under enormous strain over the last 12 months as costs continue to rise and supply chain issues worsen.
“With exports contributing almost a fifth of the industry’s revenues, the current fluctuation of the pound isn’t helping matters either.
“In light of these challenges, it is understandable that manufacturers want a Minister that can both represent their interests at the highest level of Government and take steps to mitigate their struggles.”
Engineering company Hone-All Precision director Andrea Wilson is also in favour of a new Minister for Manufacturing.
She said: “UK manufacturing is a huge contributor to the UK economy and deserves a representative within Government to ensure the needs of our businesses are heard, and then acted upon, to create a secure, stable, and successful UK supply chain for our future prosperity.”
The survey was conducted by Sapio Research among 200 respondents based in the UK working in the manufacturing industry with up to 250 employees.
