Manufacturing profiled by prime time BBC show

Dragon's Den presenter Evan Davis championed the role of high-tech manufacturing to our future economic success. While low-cost production had been lost to the Far East, the UK still thrived in high value goods, the show reported. Davis profiled pioneering firms including Brompton Bicycles, McLaren and BAE Systems (pictured). These manufacturers had eclipsed international rivals through innovative products and production techniques, Davis said. But, more domestic success stories will be needed for Britain to get back in the black, Davis stressed. Manufacturing exports generated huge wealth. But the UK did not produce enough to close its trade deficit, he said. Made in Britain defended the selling off of UK industries such as car manufacturing to foreign-owned companies. The move had allowed Britain to cash in on efficiency boosting practices like lean, Davis claimed. The pragmatism had allowed the UK to retain car assembly plants when the sector looked to be heading for oblivion in the 1970s. However, viewers appeared to be dubious of the programme's claims. One commentator, posting on the Daily Telegraph's website said: "Profits generated by ex-British companies also don`t have to stay here. They go to Germany, India, USA etc. Similarly foreign investment is often in foreign production equipment and tooling." Made in Britain is a three part series examining the British economy. Next week's show will profile innovation among British firms.