SMMT welcomes refreshed government strategy for UK manufacturers

Today’s launch of the government’s strategy New Challenges, New Opportunities is designed to help firms take advantage of changing global trends in manufacturing. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is encouraged that the manufacturing sector is recognised as being vital to the success of the UK economy and agrees that it faces major challenges in the current global economic slowdown.

Government’s plans to assist the sector include: - Seizing the opportunity of the low carbon economy - Supporting skills - Realising overseas opportunities - Improving technology networks - Changing the image of manufacturing

"The automotive industry is a major player in the UK manufacturing sector, employing over 850,000 people and contributes greatly to the economy," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "The motor industry welcomes this latest initiative and hopes that government is swift in converting its words into action, to raise the image of manufacturing and safeguard the future of the sector."

SMMT is actively involved in most of the areas covered by the new framework announced, engaging with organisations such as the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, accessing global trading markets through its International team and enabling component suppliers to link up with buyers across the major markets using its automotive supplier finder service.

The refreshed strategy is intended to shape further new policies and programmes in the future. It replaces the government’s manufacturing strategy of 2002, which was the first strategy for the sector for more than 30 years.