Speaking at Siemens’ Answers for Industry event in Manchester, Business Secretary Vince Cable said manufacturing is “key” to the growth of the UK economy.
Mr Cable said: “The key to a sustainable and balanced economy is having a long-term approach to growth, investing in manufacturing technology, R&D and skills so we have the right talent to make the most of the recovery.
“Working with business, we are taking steps to strengthen the UK’s manufacturing capability, ensuring a better business environment that will address barriers to growth, encourage innovation, exports and inward investment as well as build UK supply chains.”
Answers for Industry is a two-day event offering seminars and a showcasing exhibitions highlighting the opportunities to make UK manufacturing more efficient and sustainable.
Juergen Maier, managing director of Siemens Industry, commented: “Investment in skills alongside R&D and manufacturing technologies is critical, and we are working hard in these areas – but we need to work harder at convincing the whole sector that by preparing for the upturn now we will create jobs and growth for the future.
“At the moment, the sectors attitude towards investing especially in manufacturing plant and automation is not preparing us well enough in that regard.”
