Brexit reinforces need for comprehensive industrial strategy

However, EEF’s Chief Executive, Terry Scuoler, warned that Brexit risked swamping plans to boost economic growth, and failure to reach agreement on a comprehensive trade deal with the EU could scupper manufacturers’ ambitions.

Setting out the organisation’s key aims for a new Government EEF calls for:

• A comprehensive industrial strategy to boost economic growth and social wellbeing across the UK driven by the office of the Prime Minister with all Government departments accountable for delivery
• An ambitious Brexit deal that retains the benefits of the single market and enables seamless trade between Britain and the EU with minimal cost to business
• A new immigration system giving employers the ability to manage work permits ensuring they have access to the people and skills they need
• A boost for innovation, enhancing research and development incentives and making a solid commitment to improve digital technology, including the expansion of fast broadband
• A clear commitment to deliver the third runway at Heathrow and improve road and rail links
• An extension of devolution deals across England with a focus on improving transport links
• A renewed commitment to reduce regulatory cost on business including an enhanced role for the Regulatory Policy Committee

Commenting on the plan Scuoler said: “Manufacturing industry must be at the heart of any new Government’s vision for a strong and successful economic plan for the UK. Manufacturing firms across the UK represent the best of British business and they need to feel certain that Government is backing them in the face of the complex process of leaving the EU.

“Leaving the EU is an opportunity for a new Government to ensure the foundations of a comprehensive and ambitious industrial strategy are fully embedded. That means putting the delivery of that strategy at the very centre of government and making all departments are accountable. This is not a revolutionary concept. Many successful economies have done this for decades and are reaping the benefits. The UK must do the same.

“As we prepare to navigate what will inevitably be choppy Brexit waters, a clear commitment to an industrial strategy will give business confidence that the Government is capable of looking long-term at strengthening some of the fundamental levers of our economy. From boosting innovation and improving infrastructure to ensuring we have a clear education strategy for industry where schools and colleges are preparing young people with the skills they need for the future.

“A new Government also needs to think differently and strategically about how it uses its significant spending power to help drive growth and exports. It can nurture existing and new supply chains and support more even economic growth through careful procurement planning.

“Whatever deal we eventually achieve with the EU, it must lead to a realistic and supportive trading relationship. Walking away without a deal would throw a significant spanner into any effort to build a vibrant and productive economy. A robust and growing industry will be the hallmark of a successful Brexit negotiation.”

EEF’s manifesto sets out a programme to boost investment and deliver a more skilled and productive workforce.

Measures recommended by EEF include developing a close collaboration between Government and business to strengthen different sectors, and a drive to develop good business practices by giving shareholders a greater say on executive pay and promoting employee engagement in decision-making.