Factory visits are not enough

London – For the past couple of years or so it has been hard to avoid TV images of ministers – usually the PM or Vince Cable – in white coats, hard hats and safety goggles, quizzing staff about the workings of equipment at some shiny new factory.

These stage-managed scenes – usually at an automotive or aerospace plant – are clearly intended to show the progress and success being delivered by the Government’s new-found commitment to industry.

However, this rosy view is called into question this week by two apparently conflicting reports on the outlook for manufacturing industry.

The IMechE has released the findings of a poll that shows deep concern among both manufacturers and even many in the general public about the direction of UK industrial policy.

The core message is that the Coalition remains much too committed to the financial sector, and so is failing to take the radical steps needed to transform the UK into a truely manufacturing-based economy.

On a more upbeat note, Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liviris says that chemical engineers are now helping to drive a manufacturing renaissance, which he believes is starting to take hold around the world.

But, like those who replied to the IMechE poll, Liviris is concerned about the level and quality of government collaboration with industry – citing a need for ‘smart government’ and less regulation.

From a UK perspective, the situation was well summed up by Philippa Oldham, head of manufacturing at the IMechE, who called for a clear, long-term industrial strategy with cross-party support – rather than just “visits to factories and warm words of encouragement”.