Manufacturing Insight scrapped

The Department for Business (DBIS) blamed poor industry backing for the closure. A DBIS spokesperson told WM: "When we first set the organisation up the idea had been for industry to buy in and the group would run itself. But that didn't really happen. We can't have an organisation like that being funded by the taxpayer." Manufacturing Insight was launched in September 2009. The group's remit had been to strengthen the public profile of manufacturing and promote careers in the sector to students. The government said it remained committed to making manufacturing a more attractive option for school leavers and graduates through alternative means. A DBIS spokesperson added: "We are now talking to industry to find out how we can form a new more engaged partnership with industry, " "In January we hosted a summit of the major industry leaders to discuss the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Review and look at how we can improve how the education system links with business and careers advice. Policy proposals from the review will be announced by budget 2011. Manufacturing Insight was governed by an advisory board comprising a five representatives from government, four industry figures, two training skills members and a media representative.