CBI to launch Manufacturing Council

The new CEO-level council, which will be chaired by Ineos group director Tom Crotty, will bring together dozens of the UK’s top manufacturers – small, medium and large – from across the country.

At the heart of the group’s work will be shaping the skills agenda to build a UK workforce fit to adapt to AI and digitisation and building a new visionary industrial strategy that supports productivity.

The group will also focus on creating pathways to the delivery of the UK’s target of 3% of GDP invested in R&D by 2020 and delivering a Brexit that works for the UK’s manufacturing base.

Says Crotty: “A vibrant manufacturing sector is essential to the growth of the UK economy. It provides high quality, skilled jobs, boosts the country’s trade position and allows the UK to compete in a challenging and changing world. The CBI is the voice of UK business and I am very proud to bring together some of the country’s best manufacturers, both large and small, as we look to grow our vital manufacturing base.”

Adds CBI deputy director-general Carolyn Fairbairn: “A strong and diverse UK manufacturing industry is the foundation of a robust economy. And with the global economy changing at a dizzying pace, it has never been more important that its voice is heard loud and clear. Building on our strengths in innovation, science and emerging technologies, the prize is to make the UK one of the greatest success stories of the next wave of global industrialisation.

“Our surveys show that UK manufacturers are on the march, with production and orders growing strongly, but with the challenges posed by Brexit, everything possible must be done to ensure they can stay ahead of the game. It is a time to build the confidence to invest and export, creating new high quality jobs across the country.”