Support announced for UK manufacturers

27.07.09

A package of measures to help UK manufacturers, including £151m in investment, was announced by the government today.

Business secretary Lord Mandelson said the measures were part of the government’s wider plans to help manufacturers seize opportunities within emerging technologies and new markets such as the low carbon economy.

Commenting on the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing package of measures, Mandelson said:

“At the heart of Britain’s knowledge economy is our manufacturing base. High-value, highly skilled and internationally successful businesses that have worked hard to secure a lead in hi-tech global supply chains."

He added that the measures were about giving manufactures ‘the support they need to create jobs in Britain and export the best of British manufacturing design, technology, skills and innovation around the world’.

As well as significant levels of funding for larger manufacturing operations such as Rolls-Royce, there will also be a further £5m invested in collaborative R&D projects within the High Value Manufacturing competition and a £4m expansion of the Manufacturing Advisory Service.

Half a million will also go support the development of a centre of excellence for silicon design in the South West.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2009