Download more information on the emerging findings
The inquiry is centred on the industrial sector and the various obstacles it needs to overcome in the near future to ensure long-term sustainability socially, economically and ecologically.
All of these alerts have come to light following lengthy research and evidence collected by a dedicated steering group, and is being co-chaired by Chi Onwurah MP, former Shadow Minister for Innovation, Science and Digital Infrastructure, and Professor Steve Evans from the University of Cambridge. They focus on sustainability – from dwindling natural resources to the long-term skills base that will help British manufacturing to flourish.
The final findings and conclusions will be published on the 27th October at the launch of the inquiry’s report in Parliament. With this in mind, the following alerts are being issued to government and businesses to highlight the important trends established in these initial findings.
- UK manufacturers face challenges to the future supply of critical materials, which may threaten national security
- Further devolution of powers could be a barrier to a more sustainable system
- The UK needs to close the gap between the worst and best performers on non-labour productivity to make a meaningful difference
- Transitioning to a sustainable industrial system depends on the leadership of UK manufacturing companies, and of UK government
Commenting on the strategic alerts, Chi Onwurah MP, Inquiry Co-Chair said:
”This inquiry is essential in determining what needs to be done to secure the future of manufacturing in the UK. While the sector consists of a smaller proportion of the overall economy than in years past, it is absolutely vital that our ability to make things, and to make them well, is made stronger and more resilient in an increasingly volatile world. The UK gave birth to the industrial revolution, but we are an island nation, faced with increasing competition from abroad and increasing pressures being put on the planet.
Business as usual cannot continue if we are to remain in the game. These initial findings demonstrate that there are real dangers for our economy and even our national security if we do not take the appropriate steps to transform our industrial system. Thankfully, with government and industry working together, we have the capacity to do so, and will be made evident when our final report is published in October.”
Professor Steve Evans, Inquiry Co-Chair, said:
”We have learnt that the UK has many world leading companies who are making themselves more efficient, more resilient and more profitable by using sustainability for competitive advantage. But there are many more laggards and not enough leaders to make a difference to the national economy. Industry and government will share the benefits of a resilient and efficient industrial system and must work in harmony to make sure that these benefits are delivered.”
Mark Pawsey MP, member of the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group, also said:
“Manufacturing is absolutely vital to the UK, and the government has taken great strides to ensure its continued growth. Be it the provision of skills, a record number of apprenticeships, innovation, RD, robust supply chains or access to finance, this government is committed to the sustainability of the sector. Thanks to this support manufacturing activity has increased significantly in recent years and total output is now higher than it has been for decades.
Despite all the good work that has already been done there is still more to do to ensure the continued growth in our nation’s manufacturing sector and I look forward to the Manufacturing Commission’s full report and analysing its recommendations.”