Make UK’s Decarbonising Manufacturing report, in partnership with Siemens, is being published at Siemens Trade Expo on 11 July. It will be one of our major flagship reports for the year.
We had a great response to the survey, but are looking for a little more information. As a result, we would be incredibly grateful if you could complete the following four questions – it will take about two minutes: Decarbonising Manufacturing 2022
Government affairs update
The Make UK National Manufacturing Conference took place on the 3rd May, the Secretary of State for Business made a brief appearance, we also heard from the shadow minister Jonathan Reynolds, and from the Minister for Industry, Lee Rowley, who announced a UK Manufacturing Investment Prospectus, that BEIS will deliver later this year. We have been calling for a National Manufacturing Plan, which isn’t exactly this, but Make UK are pleased at the announcement and are looking to feed into this work.
Make UK continue to meet with the Secretary of State on a regular basis. The topic of supply chains has been high on the agenda. We also held a one to one meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss carbon capture and storage.
We continue to meet with the Opposition on a by weekly basis. There has been a particular interest in skills recently and we expect Labour to announce some new policy on skills and Industrial Strategy around the Party Conferences.
Conversations around energy costs continue, with a range of stakeholders involved.
The Queen’s speech was not huge for manufacturing, the energy security and levelling up bills are welcome and Make UK will look to engage on these. We were disappointed there was no employment bill announced and we will continue to push on this. We will also to continue to push for measures to deliver sustainable growth.
Finally, Stephen Phipson was due to speak to a minister on Wednesday night to discuss the NI announcements.
UK Supply Chains
The report published this week can be found here: Operating without Borders – Building Global Resilient Supply Chains | Make UK
Northern Ireland
On the 17th May, the government announced that legislation to make changes to the NI Protocol has been prepared. It covers four main areas;
- Customs and controls
- Regulatory Environment
- VAT & Tax
- European Court of Justice
The government has been clear they want a negotiated outcome, but this seems at odds with the fact they have already set out what they want and have indicated they will legislate regardless of outcome. The move has not landed well in Brussels. We expect to see the legislation tabled in June, and there is unlikely to be a response before then. Make UK think there is a landing zone, but there will need to be compromises. If you require more information, please do contact me.
COP26 6 Months On
The recent report can be found here: UK Manufacturers are leading the charge in green revolution | Make UK Please see the Resources slide deck for links to the Net Zero Roadmap and the Net Zero Toolkit for members. Inspired Energy, Make UK’s partner, are happy to speak with any partners who would like their input or support in roadmap/ strategy work or in practical support for members, or both. Please contact me for an introduction.
