Caroline Dinenage MP: Securing jobs and growth

A flourishing manufacturing sector is vital to the British economy.
Not only does it give us the opportunity to engage with the lucrative export market for-high tech goods and services, it also provides high-skilled,
long-term jobs that will be essential to the UK’s future economic prosperity.

However, if our economy is to undergo long-term sustainable growth and
meet the demands of technological progression, we must do more to encourage young people to develop the skills which are vital to the manufacturing sector.

That is why engagement initiatives such as the Dods ‘We Made It!’ competition are so important; they boost enthusiasm for manufacturing and foster the skills of Britain’s future innovators. Helping SMEs gain access to foreign markets is another essential pillar of our manufacturing industry. British goods have a fantastic global reputation for quality and innovation which is why we must do all we can to maximise the power of this terrific selling point. UKTI is already making tremendous contributions to this Government’s campaign to promote exporting and is on track to help around 40,000 businesses to export in 2013/14.

By boosting exports we are significantly cutting the trade deficit - one of this
Government’s key priorities. With research showing that increased exports lead to more innovation and enhanced productivity, the significance of helping
British manufacturers to enter overseas markets must not be underestimated.

The UK Government rightly takes great pride in promoting our country’s
innovation and invests heavily in R&D; indeed, we are second only to the USA in terms of our scientific knowledge base. It is essential that we take advantage of this fervour for new ideas and turn it into economic prosperity and jobs.

Caroline Dinenage MP is a Member of the Select Committee on
Business, Innovation and Skillls and a Member of the Dods Innovation Panel.