HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Government launches manufacturing strategy [September 2008]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 8 September 2008.

The Government has launched its new strategy on manufacturing aimed at helping UK businesses adapt to a changing world and make the most of economic opportunities.

The strategy paper, Manufacturing: New Challenges New Opportunities, includes a commitment to expand apprenticeships by 1,500 places in addition to the 9,000 places to be created over the next three years.

There will also be a £24 million injection into manufacturing and production research, support for up to 600 businesses looking at supply chain opportunities in China and India, and a strategy paper to be delivered next year on helping UK companies adapt to a low carbon economy.

Writing in the foreword, the PM said that “manufacturing not only has been, but remains and will always be, critical to the success of the British economy.”

Mr Brown marked the manufacturing strategy launch with a visit to the Jaguar car plant in Castle Bromwich. He accompanied Chancellor Alistair Darling, Business Secretary John Hutton and Skills Secretary John Denham on a tour of the facilities and met young people enrolled in the company’s apprenticeship programme.

Speaking to reporters, the PM said that the workforce at Jaguar displayed the “enthusiasm and determination” that will see UK industry enjoy success into the future.

Later the PM and ministers will hold an engagement event with members of the public in Birmingham before holding a full cabinet meeting.