Labour enlists JLR director for supply chains review

Posted on 25 Sep 2013 by The Manufacturer

The Labour Party has given the go ahead for Jaguar Land Rover director Mike Wright to review British manufacturing's supply chains.

In an announcement made by shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna at the Labour Party conference yesterday, the opposition intends to use Mr Wright’s experience across to advise on issues such as supply chains and government affairs.

Mr Umunna said: “I believe society and business depend on each other and that’s why I’m delighted that Mike Wright of Jaguar Land Rover, a real British success story, is leading this review into manufacturing supply chains.

“It is here that so much of the added value in the manufacturing process lies. And more added value means more decent jobs.”

Mr Wright, who was one of the figures responsible for the company’s transition following its acquisition by Tata from Ford in 2008, said a need for a credible and long-term UK industrial strategy is key to the country’s future.

“A credible and long-term industrial strategy is important for the ongoing health of the UK manufacturing base and the wider UK economy.

“We must continue to build on the progress made over recent years and I have been particularly pleased that all the main parties have understood that the strategy for a successful industrial policy goes beyond electoral cycles and often across political boundaries.”