The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), representing over 200 UK manufacturers, is placing a Minister for Manufacturing, greater SME involvement in the Industrial Strategy, and ongoing lobbying around the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at the top of its action list for 2025. Steve Morley and Geraldine Bolton are committed to giving their members a stronger voice on key issues that will impact their ability to compete, vowing to enhance their organisation’s offer.
Supporting UK Manufacturers through CBM’s Action Plan for 2025
Despite challenges such as tax increases and geopolitical uncertainty, Steve Morley and Geraldine Bolton are focused on finding opportunities for manufacturers. They believe the automotive sector and aerospace industry offer strong growth potential if stability continues.
Ensuring SME Involvement in the Industrial Strategy
A major concern for Steve Morley is the lack of SME representation on the Industrial Strategy council. He worries that key decisions will be made too early, leaving small and medium-sized businesses with fewer investment opportunities. However, CBM remains optimistic about the influence of its lobbying efforts in reshaping policy for these companies.
Lobbying for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Steve Morley added, “We will be heavily involved in lobbying around CBAM, pushing for policies that benefit manufacturers and ensure fairness in international trade. This work is vital for ensuring that British manufacturers aren’t unfairly impacted by the carbon-related policies of other nations. As part of the Confederation of British Metalforming, we are committed to advocating for the best interests of UK manufacturers."
Climate Change Agreement and Support for Energy Cost Management
CBM is working on a new six-year Climate Change Agreement that will take the industry to 2033 with new baseline years and updated targets. These agreements will also address energy reporting requirements as firms are now required to submit annual reports for both CC agreements and ESOS.
Tackling Energy Costs and Promoting Reshoring
One of the most pressing issues for CBM members is dealing with high energy costs. There is an ongoing discussion about energy costs, skills, and how to reshore more work to the UK. CBM believes that government support for these issues will be key to creating opportunities for UK manufacturers.
Expanding Influence with Corporate Membership and International Trade Events
2025 will be a busy year for CBM, with attendance at major trade events including EIFI in Seville, Euroforge in France, and ICOSPA in Tokyo. These events will allow CBM to stay updated on international developments and provide opportunities for building stronger ties with the British manufacturing industry.
Embracing AI and Digital Tools for Industry Growth
Geraldine Bolton, CEO of Confederation of British Metalforming, emphasised the importance of embracing AI to improve analytics and documentation, a key part of Confederation of British Metalforming’s strategy to stay ahead in a competitive environment. CBM is also working on improving the efficiency of its services to support its members in the years to come.
