Manufacturing is one of the UK’s most important and productive sectors, accounting for 8.8 per cent of total UK economic output (Gross Value Added) and 8.1 per cent of employment between July and September 2024.
The announcement of the Invest 2023 Industrial Strategy provided some guidance on how the sector can grow going forward. However, the addition of a dedicated Minister for Manufacturing, which would help deliver a singular focus, reduce regional inequality and support the UK’s manufacturing industry on an international stage has still not been made an official position in the UK cabinet.
Eliminating regional inequalities
Regional inequality is rife across a number of sectors, and in manufacturing the story is no different – some areas of the country are far more reliant on manufacturing than others. In Wales, the manufacturing sector constitutes 17.3 per cent of the economy, far above the national average of 9.8 per cent.
Meanwhile, MakeUK’s Regional Manufacturing Outlook report indicates that London and the South East have experienced the largest year-on-year percentage increase in investment, highlighting the regional gulf present in manufacturing.
Related content
A longer-term view of manufacturing holds the key, one that could be administered more easily by a dedicated MP. To really drive regional equality in manufacturing, the UK government needs longer-term strategies that are individualised to each part of the country.
At home and abroad
A Minister for Manufacturing would also help support Britain’s drive to establish Britain as a world leader in this area, acting as a figurehead for domestic productivity and pushing for trade policies that support British-made exports.
Having a dedicated person, with an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing sector, handling export negotiations could lead to tariff reductions and favourable rules of origin – which is likely to be increasingly important in the post-Brexit era and given President Trump’s position in regards to import tariffs.
Streamlining current ministerial responsibilities
Another key part of the argument for a Minister of Manufacturing lies in the refocusing of ministerial duties. Sarah Jones, MP for Croydon West, has held this responsibility since Labour won the election in July 2024.
So far, she’s been a force for good for manufacturing, showing vocal support for UK aerospace manufacturers in the House of Commons and holding a recent roundtable to finalise the government’s new Steel Strategy in Sheffield.
However, with the arrival of the new ten-year industrial strategy, a single Minister for Manufacturing would provide greater support going forward. Jones’ current role as Minister of State for Industry splits time between the Department for Business & Trade as well as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – a reshuffling here could help ensure that the new Industrial Strategy is being executed properly.
Guiding decarbonisation
With net zero considerations a key part of the industrial strategy, giving individual manufacturers the tools to become more sustainable will be vital. A lack of guidance has been a problem for manufacturers under the previous government, with a May 2024 study finding that nine in 10 UK businesses wished for more decarbonisation support from the government.
With manufacturing forming the third-largest contributor to our nation’s gas emissions in 2023, the most recent year on record, limiting the sector’s emissions must be a priority. A Minister of Manufacturing would help provide a singular voice and guidance on sustainability and green initiatives in the manufacturing sector, helping us reach our targets collectively.
Building a skilled workforce
The last – and perhaps most important – role a Minister of Manufacturing would play would be in supporting British people to pursue careers in manufacturing. Three in five young people are unlikely to consider a manufacturing career, while 66 per cent of manufacturing companies report difficulty finding specialised workers.
Visibility is hugely important – manufacturing needs a figurehead responsible for showing the next generation that a manufacturing career is a viable path – and helping end the skills shortage.
Ultimately, though the introduction of an industrial strategy has been a step in the right direction, UK manufacturing would benefit hugely from the introduction of a Minister of Manufacturing to help execute that strategy. From helping eliminate regional inequalities to supporting the UK on the international stage to facilitating future careers in the sector, a Manufacturing Minister would be a huge asset to the sector.
Paul Dearman, head of business development at GTK.
Comment: assessing the future of Britain’s road network
It seems to me, as I drive around, that a significant proportion of potholes are not actually potholes at all, but sunken grids and manhole covers....