The attached recently published document sets out the governments' manufacturing strategy. In essence, the document usefully sets out the current UK manufacturing position and trends. Against this it explains the importance that is placed on manufacturing and related issues. It takes into account views received from major interested parties, e.g. CBI, Regional Development Agencies and Trade Unions.

This publication presents measures and intended targets for the Manufacturing Advisory Service; and for the next phase of the Industry Forum and Partnership fund work. There are also statements on the outputs from manufacturing-related programmes as appropriate.

Government views manufacturing success as being critical to the prosperity of Britain, both currently and in the future. Manufacturing companies make up a fifth of our economy and employ about four million people and many more indirectly. The sector supports well-paid jobs across all of the UK's regions. Manufacturing accounts for sixty per cent of our exports, and makes a substantial contribution to the balance of payments.

Although the experience of many UK manufacturers has been difficult recently, the potential for the sector in the medium and long-term is strong. The potential will be realised provided companies are able to turn to their advantage the twin challenges of technological change and the increasing openness of world markets. This document helps to set out what needs to considered in order to meet these challenges as well as highlighting, usefully, the strengths and weaknesses that currently exist and that need to be addressed.

Manufacturing Strategy document (243Kb)

Manufacturing Strategy : The Government's Response (382Kb) to the Third Report of the House of Commons Trade and Industry Committee: Session 2001-2002-07-24 (Link)

This Command Paper, published on 23 July 2002, responds specifically to the Committee's key findings and describes the progress the Government has made during the course of the Committee's enquiry and since publication of the Committee's report.

The Strategy builds on a wide range of changes being implemented by government to ensure the UK becomes a manufacturing world-beater, including the December Manufacturing Summit, the strengthening of Alan Johnson's Ministerial portfolio and structural changes within DTI to create a focal point for manufacturing within DTI and across government - one of the key recommendations of the Committee's report. These changes include creation of a new Manufacturing Policy Team and the forthcoming appointment of a Director General for Innovation, who will play the role of Chief Advisor on Manufacturing to reinforce the links between science, R&D and innovation as key drivers of productivity.

DTI is making a step change in support for manufacturing. We published on 16 May a national strategy for manufacturing - the first by any government for over 30 years. We are now working with the Regional Development Agencies and other key stake holders to develop the national framework into the regional and local action needed by manufacturers.