Think tank urges rejection of manufacturing's 'todying' image

The report, Innovation and Industry: A manifesto for manufacturing, is edited by the Exchange's Natalie Evans (pictured) and highlights what Policy Exchange sees as a clear need for the government to reiterate its commitment to an open economy, in order to reassure potential investors that the UK is open for investment. In the wake of the acquisition of Cadbury by Kraft, the report urges ministers to refrain from intervening in bids for UK companies by foreign companies – and to instead be prepared to defend them by explaining the huge benefits brought to UK manufacturing by the openness of its economy. The report also highlights how the media and public have a skewed view of manufacturing, and that the perception of manufacturing is frequently as being a 'bad news' story. Largely because much of the mass media is London-based, stereotypes that the manufacturing industry is a todying one, old-fashioned, badly paid and unpleasant to work in continue to be reflected in newspaper and television coverage, the report concludes. In reality, it goes on, the UK is the sixth largest manufacturer economy in the world, and many UK manufacturers offer well-paid work, high skilled environments that are cleaner than most offices. The report, Innovation and Industry: A manifesto for manufacturing, is edited by the Exchange's Natalie Evans (pictured) and highlights what Policy Exchange sees as a clear need for the government to reiterate its commitment to an open economy, in order to reassure potential investors that the UK is open for investment. In the wake of the acquisition of Cadbury by Kraft, the report urges ministers to refrain from intervening in bids for UK companies by foreign companies – and to instead be prepared to defend them by explaining the huge benefits brought to UK manufacturing by the openness of its economy. The report also highlights how the media and public have a skewed view of manufacturing, and that the perception of manufacturing is frequently as being a 'bad news' story. Largely because much of the mass media is London-based, stereotypes that the manufacturing industry is a todying one, old-fashioned, badly paid and unpleasant to work in continue to be reflected in newspaper and television coverage, the report concludes. In reality, it goes on, the UK is the sixth largest manufacturer economy in the world, and many UK manufacturers offer well-paid work, high skilled environments that are cleaner than most offices.