Journalist and broadcaster Andrew Neil provided a fascinating insight into the economy and the upcoming trade negotiations and how a deal with the United States and even China may take place. The main thought– and a reassuring one– is that he is adamant that there will be no economic recession on the horizon, as GDP is up and is rising.
Throughout the day, business to business workshops covered a variety of topics including productivity, trade, skills, supply chain, and defence. The workshop topics were highlighted as being some of the most pressing issues within the industry at present. Steel UK led the supply chain workshop that provided an opportunity to question industry leaders on how to maximise growth opportunities. Exploring themes of supply chain dynamics, scale and competitive advantage, the workshop’s key takeaway was a reminder for manufacturers to think strategically, and “never put all their eggs in one basket”.
In the afternoon Make UK provided an update on how it aims to tackle the skills gap in the manufacturing sector. A spokesperson from Make UK’s apprenticeship scheme said that continue investment in STEM and the Make UK apprenticeship centre would help close the skills gap, Stephen Phipson Make UK CEO added that he will continue to lobby the government for STEM and apprenticeship investment.
In his first public appearance as the newly appointed Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy and President of COP26 Alok Sharma has pledged to protect the UKs manufacturing sector and its interests within the UK. The secretary of State for BEIS said he was looking forward to working so closely with the manufacturing industry and receiving their input on the upcoming COP26 summit in November.
On a final note it was great to meet so many manufacturing executives from across a broad range of manufacturing sectors, if we did not get chance to speak to you and you would like to have a conversation about energy management and sustainability then please get in touch.