Make UK Calls for Manufacturing Action as Andy Burnham Becomes Prime Minister

Make UK has responded to Andy Burnham’s appointment as Prime Minister by congratulating him and calling for urgent action to support UK manufacturers. The organisation said manufacturers will welcome the new Prime Minister’s ambition to re-industrialise Britain and generate growth across the country. However, it stressed that this ambition must now be translated into action through the implementation of the Industrial Strategy.

Make UK also identified business costs, energy prices and skills shortages as priorities that the new Government must address to help manufacturers invest, grow and remain competitive.

Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive of Make UK, said:

“We congratulate Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister and look forward to working constructively with his government to support manufacturers and strengthen the UK economy.

“The Prime Minister’s ambition to re-industrialise Britain and seed good growth in every postcode is one that manufacturers will welcome and continue to play their part in delivering. The test now will be turning that ambition into action through implementation of the Industrial Strategy.

“Manufacturers need to see real, urgent progress on the issues that affect their ability to invest and grow. Tackling the high costs of doing business, from energy and business rates to staffing costs, alongside the skills shortages plaguing our sector, must be a top priority.

“The sector stands ready to play a central role in delivering the stronger, more prosperous and resilient economy that the new Government wants to build.”

John Healey Appointed Chancellor

Make UK also congratulated John Healey on his appointment as Chancellor, describing him as someone with a reputation for being pragmatic, focused on delivery and committed to making government work effectively.

Phipson commented:

“We congratulate John Healey on his appointment as Chancellor at a pivotal moment for the UK economy. Manufacturers will welcome the appointment of someone with a reputation for being pragmatic, focused on delivery and committed to making government work effectively.

“The Chancellor has a clear opportunity to put manufacturing at the heart of the Government’s growth agenda. Industry does not need another plan, it needs the Industrial Strategy already in place to be delivered at pace, giving businesses the confidence to invest, grow and create high-quality jobs across the UK.

“We look forward to working with the Chancellor to tackle the issues that matter most to manufacturers: bringing down industrial energy costs and business rates, creating a tax and regulatory environment that rewards investment, and building the skills pipeline industry needs.

“With the right foundations in place, manufacturers will continue to invest, innovate and drive the good growth that will be central to the Government’s agenda.”

Make UK Welcomes Jonathan Reynolds’ Reappointment

Make UK welcomed the reappointment of Jonathan Reynolds as Secretary of State for Business and Trade. According to the organisation, Reynolds played a central role in shaping the Industrial Strategy during his previous time in office.

Phipson said:

“We warmly welcome Jonny Reynolds’ re-appointment as Secretary of State for Business and Trade. Manufacturers know him well from his previous time in office and we look forward to working with him again. This is a very positive early decision by our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.

“Jonny’s commitment to the Industrial Strategy, which he played a central role in shaping, will be particularly welcomed by manufacturers. Having fought for more than a decade to secure one, the sector now wants to see it implemented at pace, providing the certainty businesses need to invest and grow.

“Success will be measured by whether manufacturers see lower costs, fewer barriers to trade and a more competitive environment in which to invest, make and export with confidence. We stand ready to work with the Secretary of State to make this a reality.”

Energy Costs Among Priorities for New Energy Secretary

Miatta Fahnbulleh has been appointed Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. Make UK said she will play an important role in efforts to reduce the energy cost burden facing businesses.

Verity Davidge, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Make UK, commented:

“We congratulate Miatta Fahnbulleh on her appointment as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero at a pivotal moment for manufacturers. Energy costs remain one of the biggest barriers to investment, competitiveness and decarbonisation, and industry will want to see urgent action to bring bills closer to those faced by our international competitors.

“Manufacturers are ready to play their part in delivering the UK’s net zero ambitions, but they need a policy framework that supports investment rather than adding cost and uncertainty. Accelerating grid connections, reducing non-commodity costs and ensuring electricity prices are internationally competitive must be central priorities, alongside ensuring the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme is brought forward and widened to all manufacturers.

“We look forward to working with the new Secretary of State to ensure manufacturers can invest, grow and decarbonise here in the UK.”

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