Chris Arrowsmith, the Managing Director of Midland Deburr & Finish in Lye, Stourbridge, calls for the UK manufacturing community to step up and play a crucial role in the economic resurgence of the UK economy, amidst dampening confidence in the recent PMI report, which showed contraction of the UK manufacturing sector in Q2, by focusing on the environmental gains of sourcing locally.
“Media outlets have recently reported a government U-turn on impending implementation of environmental measures around banning of diesel cars sold in the UK; which has only served to cause further uncertainty in the business community – but there is a more simple, more accessible solution: ‘Buy British.’ We need to embrace the tremendous opportunity within our grasp and back our domestic manufacturing capability by conscientiously backing products made in this country ‘, explains Arrowsmith.
This dramatic change in perception extends beyond the economic value of manufacturing. The survey “Perceptions vs Reality,” conducted by Savanta for Make UK in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, highlights substantial improvements in perceptions regarding pay, working conditions, and career prospects within the sector.
Comparing these findings with a survey from years ago, it becomes evident that there has been a substantial turnaround in the public’s perception of manufacturing. In the past, negative media coverage and a prevailing sentiment that Britain no longer “made things” had led to a bleak outlook. At that time, only 70% of respondents believed that manufacturing was critical to the growth of the UK economy. Today, an impressive 93% recognise its vital role.
The report cites the turning point in this perception shift appears to have coincided with coming through the COVID-19 pandemic. During these challenging times, the UK manufacturing sector demonstrated its resilience and adaptability by contributing global advances in medical devices; even automotive manufacturers pivoted to produce ventilators, clothing and textile companies switched to manufacturing medical gowns and facemasks, and food and drink factories contributed by producing hand sanitizers. The UK’s pharmaceutical companies played a leading role in developing and manufacturing life-saving vaccines, allowing the nation to return to a semblance of normality.
“This wouldn’t have been possible if the manufacturers in the UK just maintained the status quo, we’ve demonstrated tremendous agility to overcome not just this, but also the conflict in Russia, the ongoing effects of Brexit and the ongoing exodus of skilled workers in the sector retiring. Achieving societal recognition of the great things we can achieve by embracing the sector more and favouring domestically manufactured products is the final piece of the jigsaw” believes Arrowsmith.
Midland Deburr & Finish Ltd call upon other privately run firms to laud these remarkable developments within the wider manufacturing sector. Its own specialisation in Vibro Deburring, Vapour Degreasing, and Solvent Degreasing has been a crucial part of achieving the high safety and quality standards which UK manufactured components are famous for and the firm’s commitment to innovation, quality, and adaptability has been crucial in supporting bigger firms who have themselves, helped reshape the public perception of manufacturing and be instrumental in driving the sector forward.
Chris Arrowsmith encourages others within the manufacturing supply chain to stand up and be proud of their contributions to the UK’s economic growth and resilience. As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve and adapt to meet the challenges of the future and showcase the best of British manufacturing expertise.