Industry calls on government to boost manufacturing

12 May 2011

New research reveals the poor reputation of manufacturing as a career route despite strong performance.

Leading industry figureheads from the manufacturing sector are calling on the government to help boost the public perception of manufacturing in the UK. Their demand is framed by a year long programme of research that will look at what role the government should have in ensuring that the sector plays a key part in the economic recovery.

In a nationwide poll of 169 senior figures from the manufacturing sector, 57% responded that improving the perception of manufacturing as a career route was the most important factor in enhancing the sector's skills base.

Andrew Ellis, Head of strategy for Global Manufacturing at GlaxoSmithKline, commented:

"There is a lack of understanding about what a career in manufacturing actually means. People can't visualise it, they don't know what it is."

The programme of research- which will continue throughout 2011- held consultations with members of the public from around the UK and revealed a major lack of confidence in UK manufacturing despite its remarkably strong performance through the financial crisis.

Mark Lee, Head of Manufacturing, Transport and Logistics, Barclays Corporate, said:

"There is certainly a disconnect between the perception of manufacturing in the UK, which is often stuck in the factories of the past, and the reality, which is an advanced manufacturing that should play a big part in our economic future."

Working closely with Parliament, the 'Dods Manufacturing Dialogue' will hold a number of discussions and debates with key ministers and parliamentarians in order to better understand what levers Westminster can pull to help encourage manufacturing growth across the UK.

This collaborative project brings together nine of the most influential and significant members of the manufacturing community including Boeing, Barclays Corporate and the Food and Drink Federation and is being run in collaboration with parliamentary communications and research organisation Dods.

Notes
1. The Dods Manufacturing Dialogue partners are: Boeing, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, General Motors, the Food and Drink Federation, Barclays Corporate, Finmeccanica, AstraZeneca, the Confederation of Paper Industries and GlaxoSmithKline with research partner Findlay Media and media partner The Manufacturer.
2. On Thursday 12th May the Dods Manufacturing Dialogue will release its first progress report that will discuss the findings of the programme thus far.
3. The Dods Manufacturing Dialogue was launched in December 2010 and will run through to November 2011 culminating with a key findings report showcasing the programme's findings, launched at a reception in parliament.
4. Representatives of the nine Dods Manufacturing Partners will meet with parliamentarians on Thursday 12th May to discuss the role that the manufacturing sector could play in revitalising the UK economy.

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