The conference brought together over 700 delegates, including industry leaders, senior industrialists, manufacturing innovators, and policymakers. The focus of the National Manufacturing Conference 2025 included Talent Development, Innovation and Efficiency, Sustainability, and the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
Talent Development: Strategies for the Next Generation
The National Manufacturing Conference 2025 had a particular focus on developing the next generation of manufacturing talent. Key strategies discussed included how the sector can cultivate skilled individuals to meet future demands and challenges.
Leveraging AI for Innovation and Efficiency
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in boosting productivity and streamlining operations was highlighted as a major opportunity at the National Manufacturing Conference 2025. Experts discussed how AI can increase manufacturing efficiency and drive innovation within the sector.
Sustainability and ESG in Manufacturing
Sustainability was a major theme of the National Manufacturing Conference 2025. Discussions focused on how manufacturers can integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their business strategies to promote long-term sustainability.
The UK’s Industrial Strategy and Growth
The National Manufacturing Conference 2025 also emphasized the importance of the UK’s forthcoming Industrial Strategy in driving growth. Make UK Chief Executive Stephen Phipson discussed the role of a clear and robust industrial strategy in helping the manufacturing sector grow and succeed.
In his opening address, Phipson highlighted the importance of rebuilding the foundations of the UK manufacturing industry and connecting businesses across the country. He also discussed how National Manufacturing Conference 2025 could provide new insights from leading voices in the industry and looked ahead at what the sector could achieve in the year to come.
Addressing the Political Landscape and Government Challenges
While addressing the political landscape, particularly with the advent of a Labour government, Phipson emphasized that Make UK’s mission remained unchanged. He mentioned that, over the past 12 months, Make UK had been at the centre of key conversations in Westminster, championing the sector’s needs. This continued activism, he noted, is essential for ensuring that the sector gets the attention and support it requires in 2025 and beyond.
Key Manufacturing Success Stories and Industrial Strategy
Phipson highlighted key success stories, such as Nissan securing a £50 million investment for a new manufacturing site in Sunderland, JLR’s £65 million investment in Wolverhampton, Brompton Bike’s plan to open a new factory creating 2,500 jobs, and Schneider’s new £42 million plant in Scarborough. He pointed out that these successes occurred without an industrial strategy and envisioned the potential impact of a clearer set of priorities for the next decade.
Challenges: Tax Changes and Skills Shortages
Despite the optimism, Phipson acknowledged significant challenges created by tax changes in the 2024 budget. These changes, he noted, put a strain on investments in the sector at a time when the UK needs to stimulate growth. Additionally, skills and labour shortages were identified as critical barriers, with Phipson stressing the importance of government support for upskilling and retraining the workforce.
Opportunities in Defence and Global Trade
On international affairs, Phipson identified both challenges and opportunities for the manufacturing sector. One opportunity comes from increased defence spending, which is expected to benefit UK manufacturers in the defence sector. However, Phipson also warned about the challenges posed by the new US administration’s protectionist policies, which could impact global trade and export markets.
Government Support for Defence and Industry Growth
Chancellor Rachel Reeves later spoke about how the UK government intends to use defence spending to support British jobs and industries. She emphasized the importance of using defence investments to stimulate the economy and help areas of the country that feel left behind.
