EEF moves to dispel urban myths on manufacturing
CONSUMERS are being urged to ditch urban myths and misconceptions about the levels of British manufacturing.
The call, from EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, comes after new research showed that three quarters (74%) of consumers were under the mistaken belief that the UK manufactured more 30 years ago than it does now.
The research, conducted by EEF ahead of Manufacturing, Science and Technology Week (June 23 – 27), reveals that while consumers were generally supportive of British manufacturing, few believed the sector was growing.
EEF said the truth was that manufacturing was driving the economic recovery, employing 2.6m people and accounting for 11% of GDP. It said the sector was on track for 3.6% growth this year.
In the Midlands alone, manufacturing output stands at £26bn a year with companies in the region employing over 621,000. Yet despite this, a little over a third of consumers (36%) believe there is expansion within the sector.
EEF said that while such urban myths were potentially damaging, UK manufacturers would be pleased to know that they still had the backing of the majority of consumers – with more than three quarters (76%) proud to work for a manufacturing company in the UK.
More importantly, it said that given the ongoing drive to encourage more women into the sector, women would be equally as proud as men to work for a British manufacturer.
It said manufacturers would also be cheered to know that over seven in 10 consumers (72%) preferred to buy goods that have been made in Britain. Women are the biggest champions, with 75% agreeing that they would prefer to buy UK manufactured goods over those made elsewhere in the world – this falls to 71% amongst men.
There is also widespread recognition of the vital role manufacturing plays in the broader economy. An overwhelming 91% of consumers agree that manufacturing is essential for the UK economy to grow, although this rises to 97% amongst the over 55s. Those aged 25 to 34 are the least convinced, although even here 80% believe manufacturing is essential for growth.
Richard Halstead, Midlands Region Director at EEF, said: “With the global spotlight on British manufacturing next week it is time to ditch the urban myth that Britain manufactured more in the 80s than it does today. The reality is that British manufacturing is a huge success story and is going from strength-to-strength. ‘Make it Britain’ is vibrant, vital and producing more today than it did 30 years ago.
“The good news is that manufacturers already have consumers’ backing, but if we arm them with the full facts about the strength, dynamism and versatility of this essential sector we will hopefully gain their pride too. This will encourage more young people to consider a career in our sector and make it easier to attract the talented and skilled employees needed for growth to continue at a pace.”
As part of its ‘Make it Britain’ campaign, designed to champion Britain as a manufacturing and engineering powerhouse on a global stage, EEF is joining forces with Siemens to host a free conference at the International Festival for Business in Liverpool on June 25.
