18.12.2023
We are delighted to share our work and the impact that Make UK has had throughout 2023 – which proved to be a year of opportunities but also challenges for UK manufacturers.
This year, we were determined to champion the sector's central role in creating good quality jobs, transitioning to a net zero economy, producing goods and services to keep the economy moving and building resilience. And we are proud to say we succeeded.
By involving key leaders and participating in the influential taskforces established by the government and other policymakers, we secured a major pledge from the Chancellor that Advanced Manufacturing would be one of the Government’s strategic growth sectors of the economy.
Since then, we have secured further significant wins for our members and the wider industry. Most recently, and most notably, during the Autumn Statement when we secured a £4.5 billion boost for clean growth in manufacturing through the Advanced Manufacturing Plan.
Our hard work also led to Jeremy Hunt making announcements on:
- Capital allowances on qualifying plant and machinery investments being made permanent.
- The roll-out of Made Smarter to the remaining four regions.
- £50m additional funding for apprenticeships to increase the availability of apprentices in engineering over the next two years.
Underlying the pivotal role we played, Make UK was mentioned twice at the despatch box during the Chancellor's speech, enhancing our profile, and cementing our role as the go-to authority for manufacturing growth.
Our evidence-based approach, taking the insight and intelligence provided by our members through approximately 60 surveys, 35 policy papers, 70 high-level engagements, and collaboration through 50 advisory boards, also saw us achieve many other major policy wins, including:
- The removal of Retained EU Law sunset clause.
- The extension of the CE market recognition for businesses indefinitely, beyond December 2024.
- Rejoining the Horizon Europe programme.
Through our targeted 2023 campaigns, we secured remarkable policy wins, creating a future pathway where UK manufacturing stands resilient and poised for unprecedented growth.