Cable calls for manufacturers to ‘Make it in Great Britain’

Speaking at the VIP event, Cable will address an audience of leading industrialists to reveal government plans to support UK manufacturers with skills, R&D and investment in new equipment. His keynote will be followed by a panel debate that will discuss the critical role UK manufacturing has to play in helping ensure Britain's economic prosperity. The panel will include Siemens' managing director Juergen Maier, Brompton Bicycles chief Will Butler-Adams and Dame Nancy Rothwell, president of Manchester University. "The key to a sustainable and balanced economy is having a long term approach to growth, investing in manufacturing technology, R&D and skills so we have the right talent to make the most of the recovery," Cable noted. "Working with business, we are taking steps to strengthen the UK's manufacturing capability, ensuring a better business environment that will address barriers to growth, encourage innovation, exports and inward investment as well as build UK supply chains." Juergen Maier added: "In order to have a sustainable recovery in the manufacturing sector it is vital that as a country we have a long term investment strategy where government works in conjunction with businesses across the supply chain. Investment in skills alongside R&D and manufacturing technologies is critical, and we are working hard in these areas – but we need to work harder at convincing the whole sector that by preparing for the upturn now we will create jobs and growth for the future." Maier argued that the sector's attitude towards investing, especially in manufacturing plant and automation, was not preparing the industry well enough in that regard. He continued: "Despite the recessionary backdrop, we remain optimistic about the year ahead and we hope that the Answers for Industry Conference will be a forum to discuss the UK's strategy for long term industrial revival." More information about the conference can be found at www.siemens.co.uk/afi.