Manufacturing in the UK has changed. Globalisation has increased competition and opened up new markets, new technology has increased efficiency, and 3D printing, the Maker movement, and online marketplaces such as Etsy have democratised the sector. Heavy industry of the 1960’s has been replaced with high-value production, and the UK now exports a diverse range of goods including electronics and plastics, pharmaceuticals, chocolate and beer, aerospace and defence equipment, furniture and textiles.
These changes have consequences for jobs and skills, innovation and the economy, and sustainability. How can the UK adapt to these challenges in order to sustain economic growth and resilience? And how can we build on our proud manufacturing history and capitalise on the opportunities to make the UK a 21st Century manufacturing powerhouse?
Peter Marsh, journalist
Peter Marsh (Chair), author of ‘The New Industrial Revolution: Consumers, Globalization and the End of Mass Production’ and former Manufacturing Editor at the Financial Times.
Will Butler-Adams OBE FRGS, Managing Director, Brompton Bicycle
Dr Eddie Kirkby, Charity & Operations Support Manager at the Manufacturing Institute and Fab Lab.
Simon Middleton, Founder of the Shackleton brand