Fluke Statement: The UK’s Industrial Strategy: One Year On
One year on from the launch of the UK's Industrial Strategy, the argument for strengthening domestic manufacturing has become much harder to ignore. Recent geopolitical tensions and continued pressure on global supply chains have shown how important it is for the UK to have the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to stand on its own two feet.
The UK’s Industrial Strategy: One Year On
Paraic O’Lochliann, VP of eMaint, a Fluke Corporation Brand:
"One year on from the launch of the UK's Industrial Strategy, the argument for strengthening domestic manufacturing has become much harder to ignore. Recent geopolitical tensions and continued pressure on global supply chains have shown how important it is for the UK to have the skills, infrastructure and industrial capacity to stand on its own two feet.
There are encouraging signs. The strategy has helped bring industry back into the national conversation, creating momentum around investment and workforce development. But many manufacturers are still waiting to see those ambitions translate into tangible support on the ground.
Skills remain one of the biggest challenges affecting businesses. Fixing the apprenticeship system is a start, but alone, it won’t be enough. Our research found that only 32% of manufacturers have hired or trained staff through government-backed programmes, despite 90% saying skills shortages are having a direct impact on their organisation. Closing industrial skills gaps requires a bold, integrated approach that brings together education, industry and government to rapidly upskill the existing workforce and grow the future one.
The same applies to technology adoption. If UK manufacturers are going to compete globally, they need greater support to invest in the tools and innovation that drives resilience. Despite significant public investment in industrial policy, fewer than one in three manufacturers report receiving direct grant funding, with the UK trailing competing markets when it comes to incentives for R&D.
If the UK is serious about reshoring, reindustrialisation and long-term resilience, the next phase of the Industrial Strategy must focus on delivery. Manufacturers need easier access to funding, stronger support for workforce development and greater incentives to invest in innovation. The ambition is there, but turning that ambition into lasting economic growth will depend on how effectively businesses are enabled to act on it."
UK response to the UK Industrial Strategy
- The majority (61%) of UK respondents said they’d benefitted from the UK’s Industrial Strategy
- However, fewer than 1 in 3 manufacturers say they’re seeing the money, with only 28% of respondents receiving direct grants
- The UK also lags other regions in offering R&D tax incentives or credits. 24% said they’d benefitted from these in the UK, compared to 28% in Germany and 34% in the US
- Despite some welcome nods toward skills reform in the strategy, only 32% have hired or trained staff through government-supported programs
- However, it remains a key issue. When asked what barriers are preventing your workforce from being enabled to use technology, 35% respondents said inadequate training or support
Survey methodology
The survey, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Fluke, surveyed 600 respondents representing manufacturing firms across the Food & Beverage, Oil & Gas, Life Sciences, and Automotive industries operating in Germany, the UK, and the US. Of this sample, 199 respondents were from the UK.