New task force deployed to support ‘world-class’ manufacturing sector
A West Yorkshire Manufacturing Task Force has been set up by the Mayor of West Yorkshire.
It brings together 14 representatives from manufacturing companies and alliances across the region to assess the manufacturing landscape and identify opportunities to support continued growth of the sector.
Task Force meetings will be held over the next six months, chaired by Andrew Wright, deputy chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Business, Economy and Innovation Committee.
Manufacturing experts will explore best practices and solutions to immediate and future challenges and share an action plan with recommendations on the support needed to help local businesses remain competitive, addressing areas including the transition to net-zero, new trading relations, access to finance and how to increase productivity and innovation levels.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire is home to more manufacturing jobs than anywhere else in the North, and I want us to do all that we can to take our world-class manufacturing sector forward.
“Our Manufacturing Task Force has been set up to explore how we can achieve this, whether that be by increasing their innovative activity, creating the products of tomorrow, today, taking bold steps to enter the global market or planning ahead to ensure they have the manufacturing skills and capabilities needed for our future economy.”
Brabin will sign off the action plan. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will consider the findings to deliver future support for local manufacturing businesses in partnership with local partners and stakeholders.
Findings from the Task Force will support existing strategies and policies of the Combined Authority, including the Business Productivity and Resilience Plan, Innovation Framework, Employment and Skills Framework and the emerging West Yorkshire Trade Strategy.
