England’s SME manufacturers are set to receive a major boost this week, with the launch of a new industry campaign designed to showcase their vital role in driving economic growth.
Manufacturing Matters, the brainchild of the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), intends to raise the profile of a sector that currently accounts for more than 110,000 businesses, 1.1 million jobs and a major share of £140bn of annual GDP.
The initiative will look to discuss key challenges and opportunities, whilst opening up dialogue with the media, politicians and major industry influencers to ensure the right support is in place to encourage growth and future job creation.
It will then culminate with a special week of activities in November that will include the launch of the next MAS Barometer, a series of debates and events covering topics such as innovation, skills, international trade and access to finance.
Stephen Peacock, director at Grant Thornton who leads the consortium delivering MAS, said: “There is no better time to launch ‘Manufacturing Matters’ with recent reports and PMI data suggesting a three year high in confidence, investment and output.”
“We also want to raise some of the issues affecting the sector and by engaging with the larger manufacturers, the Local Enterprise Partnerships, other business support partners and industry bodies, ensure they have access to the specialist assistance they require.”
The campaign will also be the focal point for companies to tell share why they think ‘manufacturing matters’ via short videos, pictures and tweets to @mfg_matters or using the #mfgmatters hashtag.
Business Minister Michael Fallon added: “Manufacturing is crucial to the stronger, more balanced economy we need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
“Top class small and medium sized businesses are the foundations upon which the industry is built and we need to champion these firms and help them achieve their goals.”
