As the Labour Party conference kicks off this week, Made in Britain, a trade association that unites domestic manufacturers through the official Made in Britain brand, has issued a cross-party call for MPs to actively support domestic manufacturers.
The organisation urges politicians from all political parties to discover, work with and encourage manufacturers in their constituencies, while also advocating for policies that support British manufacturing.
The Made in Britain senior leadership team, including newly elected chair Camilla Hadcock, will attend Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat conferences to highlight the Made in Britain brand and its community of 2,100 manufacturers across the UK. Their presence aims to encourage MPs to take action with a specific three-point call to action:
Discover your local manufacturers:
MPs are encouraged to identify and engage with manufacturers in their constituencies, recognising the important role these businesses play in driving local innovation, economic growth and job creation. The Made in Britain initiative will help MPs by providing a contact list of local manufacturers within a 20-mile radius of their constituency offices, facilitating direct engagement and collaboration.
Economic and Social Value (ESV):
MPs are being asked to advocate for policies that prioritise supply chain resilience, sustainability and social responsibility within the manufacturing sector. The Made in Britain programme emphasises the importance of British manufacturers in driving a greener, fairer economy, and highlights efforts to close the ‘circularity gap’ by encouraging the use of recycled and reused materials and reducing reliance on virgin raw materials.
Supporting British manufacturing in Parliament:
Members of Parliament can support manufacturing growth by promoting a legislative environment that enables manufacturers to succeed domestically and in export markets. This includes advocating for improved infrastructure, access to support services, and policies that foster manufacturing growth and sustainability.
MPs attending upcoming conferences will also be able to access the Autumn Made in Britain Manufacturing Barometer, which highlights the sector’s contributions to sustainability and social responsibility. This initiative provides MPs with valuable insights into the origins of British goods and the crucial role played by local manufacturers.
John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, stressed the importance of MPs’ engagement: “Manufacturers are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation in the UK and providing vital jobs across the country. Now, more than ever, it is vital that MPs take an active role in supporting these businesses and ensuring they have the support they need to compete on the global stage. By engaging with local manufacturers and advocating for policies that promote supply chain localisation, improved access and green growth, every MP can help unlock the full potential of UK manufacturing – and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for us all.”
With the UK facing economic challenges, the Made in Britain call to action is a timely reminder of the importance of supporting local manufacturing. By strengthening relationships between MPs and local manufacturers, the organisation hopes to drive meaningful change that will enhance the sector’s resilience, competitiveness and contribution to a sustainable UK economy.