comment: the importance of UK manufacturing

15/04/2010

The economic climate in the UK has been challenging for the last year or so as we have suffered at the hands of a long and drawn out recession. This has not only damaged sectors such as retail and property, but also importantly, the manufacturing industry.

Whilst showing signs of improvement, the industry is still in a fragile state so we now need to turn our attention to what can be done to secure its future. There are several issues that can be addressed in order to help it return to its previous level.

Firstly, the government, leading industry bodies and regulators, must make a commitment to fully support UK manufacturing. This should involve encouraging companies to source materials and labour from within the UK instead of outsourcing abroad.

Experienced employees are an invaluable asset, we make all of our signs with our workforce at our base in Huddersfield and this not only contributes to the British economy but also ensures that the products are manufactured to the highest standards of both quality and safety.

As a UK based company, it is very important for us to play our part in identifying ways in which we can become more efficient and at the same time achieve an effective return for the manufacturing industry and the sign industry in particular. We are hopefully setting an example by continuing to expand, constantly striving to satisfy demand and meet the individual requirements of our customers in all aspects – whether it’s sign making, powder coating or fabrication.

It is important that businesses have a skilled workforce that spans the entire value chain, right through from research to the shop floor to marketing and sales.

Pat McFadden, the Government’s Business Minister, recently commented: “Britain has a great manufacturing future, not just a great manufacturing past, but the face of the industry is changing and we need to embrace and support the numerous opportunities created as a result.”

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