After a successful career in business Richard (Lord) Harrington was MP for Watford from 2010 to 2019 and has held several Ministerial positions, including Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and Minister for Business and Industry from 2017 to 2019. He was appointed Minister of State for Refugees in 2022 where he led the UK’s humanitarian response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Most recently he was asked by the previous Chancellor to lead a review of the Government’s approach to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the recommendations of which have informed the current Government's recent announcements on a new Investment Minister and 'concierge service' for Foreign Investment into the UK. He continues to advise the Government on wholesale reform to attract more FDI.
He has a particular commitment to Apprenticeships having been advisor to David Cameron on Apprenticeships and also Chair of the Apprentice Delivery Board.
Commenting, Richard Harrington said: “I’m delighted to take up this appointment at such an important moment for manufacturing. I’m passionate about the sector and its contribution to the UK economy overall and how it will help address the societal challenges we all face. Make UK is a powerful voice for industry and I look forward to helping develop its role at the centre of policymaking and providing opportunities for young people in particular.”
John Hutton said: “It has been an honour to lead Make UK through such a challenging period for manufacturing and the economy overall. With the challenges of rapidly accelerating technologies and, the need to ensure manufacturing helps put the foot on the growth accelerator, I know that Richard will take the organisation forward and enhance its voice at the heart of Government.”
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said: “Richard is a committed and passionate supporter of manufacturing and its importance to the economy and regions across the UK. At a time of immense change for the sector and, with numerous challenges at home and overseas, I look forward to working with him to enhance the role of Make UK as a powerful voice for business.”
