§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent steps have been taken to support British manufacturing. [69214]
§ Alan JohnsonThe Government's Strategy for Manufacturing, published on 16 May this year sets a strategic framework for action, in partnership with key stakeholders, to help UK manufacturing companies fulfil
357Wtheir potential and move up the value chain to high-skilled, knowledge-intensive, highly productive operations. The strategy identifies seven pillars with objectives and actions for Government and industry to develop:
- Macro-economic stability
- Investment
- Innovation
- Best practice
- Raising skills and education levels
- Modern infrastructure
- The right market framework.
It has been warmly received by manufacturers and trade unions.
Recent steps taken within the strategy include:
The roll out of the Manufacturing Advisory Service across the Regions.
An example of practical measures to build manufacturing excellence, the MAS will provide free information to all UK manufacturers and practical help for smaller and medium sized firms in England and Wales who want to introduce world class manufacturing practices and technologies but who can find it difficult to access the information they need.
Action on skills and training.
The Government are determined to raise skills and education levels with vocational GCSEs and modern apprenticeships offering high quality vocational training to young people. We are establishing a network of employer-led Sector Skills Councils to drive up demand and give employers a voice in skills supply.
Support for investment.
Through regional selective assistance, through the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme and inward investment through Invest UK. The Government are promoting more investment in basic science and have introduced R&D tax credits for SMEs and recently for larger companies to encourage innovation.
Innovation and Growth teams.
The DTI has set up a number of Innovation and Growth teams in key sectors, drawing upon the expertise of their major stakeholders to identify key issues which will shape their future and help the UK to respond to competitive challenges. The first of these teams, covering the automotive sector reported on 16 May.
Expansion of best practice programmes.
To drive up national competitiveness and productivity. Best Practice, enables innovation and investment to be turned into profitable products. The Government's policies include support for the new manufacturing advisory service, expansion of the business-led Industry Forum schemes and promotion of partnership in the work place by people focused programmes such as the Partnership Fund. At the manufacturing summit last December, an additional £20 million was earmarked for Best Practice activity.
A substantial boost to the science budget.
To encourage a vibrant flow of skills and ideas into manufacturing from our science base. The Chancellor's announcement on the spending review, included an increase in resources for knowledge transfer from £84 million in 2003–04 to £1 14 million in 2005–06.
358WDTI manufacturing policy team.
A strengthened DTI manufacturing policy team and plans to strengthen inter-departmental action on manufacturing.