We’re back with a new modern industrial strategy, after the last government cancelled our previous version in a very abrupt manner in 2017, leaving a lot of market uncertainty.
I’m afraid the last decade has left us asleep at the wheel, while other key industrial nations did the opposite, increasingly focusing on industrial sovereignty and localisation, as is sensible in this new, challenging world of much greater disruption in our supply chains.
For those still harping on about free markets, no such thing has existed for over a decade, and it won’t for decades to come. We are in a world where much greater collaboration is needed between Government, Industry and Workers representatives, to develop our industrial future.
As a long-time supporter of a long-term industrial strategy, as evident from the many posts in this column, I am obviously delighted that we have a renewed focus, one that looks forward 10 years.
I particularly appreciate: –
– The support on energy costs aimed at reducing these by 25% for energy-intensive industrial users. I am keen to see how we at #GreatBritishEnergy can support this.
– That at #GreatBritishEnergy we are able to support the green energy sector focus by committing £700 million to support supply chains to invest and create more great jobs here in the UK.
– That skills are being given a core focus, especially apprenticeships, which I have long argued for needing stronger emphasis to grow the talent we need for our key and growing sectors. At #GreatBritishEnergy we will work to support the skills for the growing and exciting jobs in the clean power sector.
– That #MadeSmarter, a scheme to drive productivity through faster technology adoption – that I am proud to have helped kick-start, is getting further support and being expanded into other sectors.
Download your copy of the modern industrial strategy here: 👇
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy