Politician gives renewed support to British manufacturing

6th Dec 2007

Business Secretary John Hutton is calling on UK manufacturers to respond positively to new opportunities created by emerging markets in the green economy, such as renewable energy and other low-carbon technology.

He announced that a renewed manufacturing strategy will look at how the Government can help British industry take advantage of opportunities presented by tackling climate change while ensuring that the UK is at the forefront of developing and manufacturing new green technologies.

Mr Hutton said: “UK manufacturing has a crucial role to play in helping us accelerate to a low carbon economy. There are many new and exciting technologies available for the UK to take advantage of, including on and offshore wind power, LED lighting, fuel-cell powered vehicles, carbon capture and storage, biomass, microgeneration, wave and tidal technology.

“In the UK, thousands of new green collar jobs could be created by the potential in wind power alone – from around 8,000 now to more than 27,000 in 2020.

“Global demand for wind energy generation is growing by 20% each year and I want to help UK manufacturers see these opportunities and exploit the wealth of expertise already at their disposal.

“Our refreshed strategy will ensure Government is doing all it can to assist UK manufacturing compete globally and take advantage of exciting new markets.”

Mr Hutton also unveiled plans for a new Ministerial Advisory Group on Manufacturing. The Group, which will report to Stephen Timms, Minister for Competitiveness, will include the CBI, TUC and EEF, and will participate in renewing the strategy. It will replace the Manufacturing Forum, set up in 2004, which has been instrumental in helping to steer the Manufacturing Strategy over the past three years.

The Ministerial Advisory Group will provide expert advice on key areas such as innovation, skills, training, image and low carbon manufacturing - as well as helping Government address the full range of issues that are important to the manufacturing sector.

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