YHCC backs new regional manufacturing strategy
Friday, 12 Feb 2010
Chambers have backed a new strategy which aims to grow manufacturing in Yorkshire & Humber by 50%.
A ‘Strategy for Manufacturing’ which outlines what actions need be taken to help Yorkshire and Humber’s manufacturing sector grow and become recognised internationally has been produced thanks to Yorkshire Forward. It was developed by a task force chaired by former Sheffield Chamber of Commerce President, Richard Wright.
The Manufacturing Strategy for Yorkshire and Humber takes a long term view of where the sector needs to be in five, ten and twenty years from now, identifying actions and the support needed to grow manufacturing by over 50%, so it represents 20% of the regional economy by 2030, compared to the 13% it represents now.
Although manufacturing as a whole is not growing regionally as a result of international competition, high-tech manufacturing has continued to grow and export, and remains strong. Four high-tech manufacturing strategic sectors have been chosen to drive growth and development;
- Advanced Engineering and Materials – particularly the multi sector supply chains;
- Digital Technologies – particularly electronic and control systems;
- Healthcare Technologies – particularly devices for assisted living ;
- Low Carbon Technologies– such as bio-refining, bio-mass and carbon capture and storage.
Richard Wright, Chair of the Yorkshire and Humber Manufacturing Steering Group, commented; “These sectors have been chosen because they represent enormous international market opportunities and regionally we know we are good at them - and therefore able to compete in the world market and export their products and make money - which gives us the best return on our investment.
“This no way detracts from the importance of businesses in other sectors, but identifies them as drivers through which manufacturing can produce a step change in its performance and by which Yorkshire and Humber will be recognised internationally. Resources are finite so to fully exploit commercial potential; resources have to be focused”.
The strategy has been created by Yorkshire Forward’s Manufacturing Taskforce included industry leaders, business representatives and support bodies. The purpose of the Taskforce was to work closely with manufacturing companies to review and increase awareness of business support. The Taskforce achieved its objectives so it has disbanded, moving the project into the second stage – forming an industry led Steering Group to implement and deliver the strategy, which already has business buy-in having been tested and validated by many regional manufacturing businesses.
Simon Hill, Executive of Director of Business at Yorkshire Forward commented; “Manufacturing is important because it is a high exporter and brings real value into the region and an economically balanced region needs a strong manufacturing base. Manufacturing is high on the national agenda and we believe Yorkshire and Humber can lead the way nationally with this focused strategy which builds on the region’s strengths.”