Region’s makers come together to talk levelling up
REPRESENTATIVES of more than 50 of the Midlands’ biggest manufacturers have met to discuss the role the sector can play in the UK’s levelling up agenda.
THE event heard how boosting manufacturing will be key in creating regional growth, reducing the North-South divide and boosting wages for all.
It was organised by the Midlands Engine, Make UK and East Midlands Chamber, in partnership with The Centre for Social Justice think tank.
It builds on Midlands Engine research that showcases the vast strengths and potential of Midlands manufacturing, which it is hoped will help shape new policies to promote manufacturing at the heart of the UK’s economic and social regeneration.
Organisers of the event, which took place in Leicester, said the Midlands remained the leading location for UK manufacturing – with more than 25,000 business and 556,000 jobs in the sector, equal to 12.5 per cent of total regional employment, which is much higher than the national average.
Sir John Peace, chairman of the Midlands Engine, said: “Our region was the original global manufacturing pioneer, and we continue to lead the world. Together, we are identifying and acting on a wealth of opportunities for a new generation of Midlands makers and entrepreneurs, through our increasingly clean, advanced and technology-focused manufacturing.”
Andy Cook, chief executive of The Centre for Social Justice, said: “The CSJ is committed to the value and dignity of work for everyone in our society, across the whole country.
“For too long our economy has been dominated by London and the South East, while inequality between UK regions has been allowed to grow.
“We believe a revolution in manufacturing will bring greater growth and opportunity to the Midlands – and to the whole country. Today we bring together the key voices of Midlands industry as the foundation of a CSJ policy programme seeking to put UK manufacturing at the heart of levelling up.”
Dr Nik Kotecha, chairman of Loughborough medicines manufacturer Morningside Pharmaceuticals said: “The Midlands is the UK’s manufacturing heartland, employing 4.7 million people and accounting for 22 per cent of UK exports – yet it’s clear that the region’s voice on the national stage is often fragmented and disjointed.
“Collaborations between the public and private sectors, as well as academia are key to addressing this, which is vital to bringing leaders together to share ideas, at a time when levelling up the regions has never been more important.”
In a statement Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “The Midlands helped to power the first global Industrial Revolution and has remained the manufacturing heartland of the UK ever since. It is a leading light in innovation and ingenuity that drives our economy.
“With strengths in goods from cars and medicines to textiles and food, the Midlands Engine will help to power our mission to level up communities across the UK.”
Chris Hobson director of policy and external affairs at East Midlands Chamber said: “The manufacturing sector is a core part of our region’s business community and is well-placed to support the recovery and rebalancing of our economy.
“The pursuit of sustainable growth will enable our region to flourish and I welcome the opportunity to advance the voice of the business community in this goal.”