Manufacturers need bold, pro-growth agenda from the next Prime Minister
29.06.2026
As political attention turns to the priorities of the next Prime Minister, looking increasingly likely to be Andy Burnham, Make UK is calling for an ambitious programme to restore UK competitiveness, deliver the Industrial Strategy and back manufacturing growth.
Manufacturers are facing an increasingly challenging business environment, with high industrial energy costs, rising employment costs and continued pressure on investment. Recent Make UK research found business confidence at its lowest level for four years, while one in four manufacturers have either moved production overseas or are considering doing so because of the UK's high cost base.
The next Prime Minister must come into office with a bold, ambitious and pro-growth agenda that gives manufacturers the confidence to invest. Starting with tackling the UK's high costs of doing business, particularly industrial energy prices, business rates and employment costs, which continue to undermine our competitiveness.
"The Industrial Strategy provides the right framework. Businesses don't need another reset, instead they need delivery, at pace. A key first step should be bringing forward and expanding the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme so manufacturers across the sector can benefit from competitive energy costs.
"The need for action is urgent. Business confidence is at its lowest level for four years, while one in four manufacturers have either moved production overseas or are considering doing so because of the UK's high cost base. The next Government must act quickly to restore competitiveness and unlock investment across UK industry.
