Interview: Jo Britton talks about the manifesto for manufacturing

EEF Marketing and External Affairs Manager in the Northwest, Jo Britton, speaks out about the future of manufacturing.

What is high on the EEF agenda for 2010?

We believe a modern, competitive and innovative manufacturing industry is central to our economy, so everything we do - working with manufacturers and policy makers alike - is designed to help our industry flourish. The UK faces a daunting task in rebuilding our economy. Manufacturers, for their part, will continue to invest in growth. To ensure that that investment and growth occurs in the UK, the next government must think and act differently. So that's why on 5th March we launched EEF’s Manifesto for Manufacturing, which sets out how the next government must give business the confidence it needs to invest in the UK, to invest in jobs and to invest in growth. The UK needs a framework for growth and an internationally competitive environment.

Three priority areas are:

• A more competitive and predictable tax system. We're looking for Capital Allowances to be reformed to reflect the true cost of modern machinery and ensure productive sectors of the economy - such as manufacturing - do not bear the brunt of fiscal consolidation.

• Also, the next government will need to tackle long-standing weaknesses in our skills system. Resources for science, technology, engineering and maths subjects should be prioritised and the complex skills landscape must be simplified to deliver a demand-led, sector-specific approach.

• And, we need to turn climate change into an opportunity for manufacturing and set out strategies to help grow key markets. In particular, low-carbon vehicles, aerospace and defence, healthcare technologies and construction and building products. Forward thinking manufacturers are turning this to their advantage. They're finding new markets for new products while improving their cost base for example by being more energy efficient.


How much influence has EEF got over policy change?

We work closely with government at regional, national and European level and negotiate hard in London and Brussels to reduce the legislative barriers that hamper progress. Because we work at the front line of manufacturing, legislators of all political colours trust our judgement and seek our advice. We have teams of economists, policy advisors and campaigners in our London office in the heart of Westminster and around the regions. EEF was part of the group that worked with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR - now renamed to BIS) to draw up its Manufacturing Strategy in 2008. And, part of the 'We ♥ Manufacturing' campaign is strategically timed to help a future government understand the issues for manufacturers and debunk the myths that surround the sector. We're changing image perceptions to help a new government put in place more manufacturing friendly polices. We think government policy should support business not hamper it, empowering manufacturers to do the right things for their customers, their people, their shareholders and their future.

Why is securing a solid UK manufacturing base so imperative?

The UK is facing a daunting task rebuilding the economy. The devastating depth and duration of the recession have exposed the dangers of an economy built on debt. And it has refocused attention on manufacturing as a productive, high-value sector. Manufacturing is a major wealth generator and should be at the heart of a balanced economy. We all need to speak up about what a clever and dynamic industry it is and dispel the myths that too often surround its image. Our 'We ♥ Manufacturing' campaign is all about that. So, if there's one thing you can do to speak up, it would be to go and pledge your support at www.lovemanufacturing.co.uk about educating and changing perceptions and also to galvanise and mobilise support.

Is manufacturing an exciting place to be?

Absolutely. It's at the macro level at aerospace engine production and the micro-level of semi conductors. It's beyond engineering. It's biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and food production - it comes alive in Mars Bars. It's dependent on a lot of really clever stuff - invention, making, building and servicing from design through to depot. It's a really complex high value chain of activity and a network of skills. Manufacturers are responsible for about 75% of the UK's R&D. They're full of creativity, determination, foresight and drive. Manufacturing is Britain's tangible asset.

What are your hopes for the future?

To see manufacturing at the heart of a balanced economy and to - once and for all - banish its outmoded image perception. I'd love to hear future generations talk really positively about manufacturing. And if you ask future generations, 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' hear them say 'I want to be a manufacturer'.