A new national platform designed to streamline how manufacturing SMEs access essential support has been launched by leading industry ambassador Andrea Wilson.
The former Managing Director of Hone-All Precision has officially unveiled ManufacturingUK.org today, a free to access digital resource that will empower, connect and champion small to medium-sized manufacturers across the UK.
Tapping into years of on-the-ground experience and feedback from hundreds of management teams, the platform will bring together a disparate support ecosystem in one single place, a place where users can tap into advice and guidance from funding providers, skills programmes, trade associations, innovation resources and best practice events.
The initiative is expected to attract tens of thousands of users every year and has already been backed by founding sponsors, including 5D-BPS, Automate UK, Clear Quality, Crowe UK, ConeX, Enginuity, NatWest and vocL.
ManufacturingUK.org exists to make life easier for manufacturers, particularly micro and SME businesses, who find that accessing support can often be difficult, time-consuming, and overwhelming.
Andrea Wilson, founder of Support Manufacturing UK
“We want manufacturers to have one trusted destination where they can quickly find the people, the organisations, the opportunities, and the expertise that can genuinely help them solve challenges and boost growth and innovation.”
She continued: “My recent appointment as the SME Ambassador for the Confederation of British Metalforming aligns perfectly with the aims of ManufacturingUK.org. Both are about championing manufacturers, strengthening connections, promoting collaboration, and helping SMEs thrive.”
ManufacturingUK.org went live today with dozens of verified resources and support avenues in place that meet many of the recommendations made in the ERA-funded report ‘The Growth Mission: A Blueprint For Scaling Up SME Manufacturers’.
Nothing is listed on trust. All tools and resources are checked for value by an experienced industry-backed team, with every approved asset personally signed off by Andrea before it appears.
It is an approach that has received massive sector backing so far. More than 100 manufacturers signed up within 24 hours of the launch announcement last month and hundreds more are expected to join them as the message spreads across the UK.
Chris Greenough, Managing Director of Westley Engineering, is one of the early users.
“Running a SME manufacturer, especially in today’s climate, is extremely demanding, and can be a very lonely place.
“There is support out there, but it is fractured and very time consuming to find the backing you actually need. We simply don’t have that time as management teams, which means we don’t always access help that can make a real difference.”
He went on to add: “Andrea’s platform is going to deliver a new solution, connecting support for UK manufacturers, from education through to exit. Its regional support map and practical resources will help micro and SME businesses find valuable advice.
“And this is only the beginning. As industry’s contributions continue to grow, it will only make it stronger and better, meaning the platform will continue to grow alongside the businesses it has been set-up to help.”
With more than 32 years in manufacturing, Andrea is widely recognised as one of the sector’s most passionate advocates.
Following a successful career leading Hone-All Precision, the three-time Top 100 Manufacturer recipient has dedicated her efforts to supporting and promoting manufacturers across the UK by encouraging knowledge sharing and demonstrating the power of placing collaboration ahead of competition.
Ann Watson MBE, CEO of founding sponsor Enginuity, concluded: “SMEs are the lifeblood of British manufacturing and yet getting information, advice and guidance to support these businesses is so hard to find – and it shouldn’t be.
“Enginuity is delighted to be giving our backing to ManufacturingUK.org. A strong supply chain is critical not just for the UK’s productivity but also its national security.
“This platform will ensure that manufacturers spend their time making things whilst the information that they need to support their success is easily accessible, understandable and in one go-to-place.”
For further information, please visit www.manufacturinguk.org.
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