National Manufacturing Day: South West set to showcase skillset next week
This coming week is set to see business leaders across the south west sing the praises of the region’s manufacturing industry. It’ll see the country’s manufacturers open their doors to the public.
The annual event is taking place on 25 September. It’s being coordinated by Make UK and will allow companies to showcase why the Great South West is critical to the UK’s economic future.
Business leaders say the day will provide an opportunity for regional firms to shine a spotlight on the sector’s 120,000-strong workforce – and the £7.4 billion annual contribution to the south west’s economy.
‘National Manufacturing Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase the innovation, skills, and global reach of Great South West manufacturing,’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership and Yeo Valley.
‘We are home to the businesses and talent that will help deliver the UK’s clean energy transition, strengthen sovereign defence capabilities, continue to feed the nation, and drive export growth.’
‘By opening our doors, we’re showing the next generation and the wider public that the future of UK industry is being built right here.’
Business leaders say National Manufacturing Day allows them to show how the area is key in delivering the Government’s 2025 Industrial Strategy.
The day will offer students, jobseekers, policymakers, investors and local businesses a unique opportunity to see first-hand how the region’s manufacturers are shaping the UK’s industrial future and competing on the global stage.
Image: Metamorworks / Shutterstock
‘Showcase the careers on offer’
‘National Manufacturing Day is growing every year and is where the diverse sector I am privileged to represent comes together to celebrate the innovations British companies make every day and showcase the careers on offer to people of all ages across the whole of the country,’ says Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation.
‘Our companies are at the forefront of technology development and global renewable design, and we hope this fourth National Manufacturing Day will encourage people who have never thought of manufacturing as their future to come along to see what it is really like firsthand.’
‘This is a highly paid sector which offers something for everyone. I started my career as an apprentice engineer, and it is a decision I have not regretted for a single day.’
The Industrial Strategy identifies the South West as one of the UK’s priority manufacturing regions.
Business commentators say Cornwall is home to world-leading sustainable plastics manufacturing and advanced composites. They also point to the importance of the county’s role for the UK’s space industry – with Spaceport Cornwall.
They add that Devon is a hub for advanced composites, precision engineering and agri-tech innovation while Somerset drives major aerospace manufacturing, rotorcraft innovation and is hugely supportive as a part of the UK’s clean energy transition.
They go on to explain how Dorset leads in marine technology, defence systems and clean energy engineering.
Meanwhile, Wiltshire contributes advanced defence, automotive and high-precision manufacturing capabilities that supply global industries.
Image: Jasen Wright / Shutterstock
‘A fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation’
Members of Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council will be visiting local manufacturing and engineering companies – with trips arranged for school children and college students.
Torbay is a UK centre of excellence for electronics and photonics, delivering vital components for global communications, healthcare and space sectors.
Plymouth stands out as a maritime autonomy and defence powerhouse, with assets such as Smart Sound Plymouth and Babcock’s Devonport operations recognised internationally.
The region recently received a further boost following the recent launch of the Great South West Manufacturing Investment Plan which is considered to be a blueprint to accelerate innovation, grow skills, expand exports and attract investment.
Open days across the region will give the public and potential recruits the chance to step inside some of the South West’s most innovative facilities.
It includes: Hymid in Torquay which is are specialists in using high tech engineering to mould plastics, Motion Control Products in Bournemouth, Numatic in Chard and Sellectronics in Falmouth.
The opportunity further extends to Spiral UK in Helston which focuses on bespoke architectural staircases for iconic venues and Teagle Machinery in Truro which sees agricultural machinery being exported worldwide.
Local award-winning metal fabrication subcontractor Alderman Tooling will once again be opening its doors for National Manufacturing Day, marking its fourth year of involvement in the initiative.
Aldermans is collaborating with Kawasaki Precision Machinery to host a joint visit with Plymouth MP, Fred Thomas. Local school and college students will be welcomed behind the scenes to tour Aldermans’ high-tech factory.
Alderman Tooling will once again be opening its doors for National Manufacturing Day. Image: Program.
‘This sector is vital to the UK’s future’
‘National Manufacturing Day is a fantastic opportunity to inspire the next generation,’ says Karen Friendship, Managing Director, Alderman Tooling.
‘We’re proud to showcase the creativity, innovation and teamwork that make manufacturing such a rewarding career.’
‘By collaborating with Kawasaki Precision Machinery and welcoming our local MP Fred Thomas, we’re not only highlighting the strength of Plymouth’s manufacturing cluster, but also sending a clear message: this sector is vital to the UK’s future, and there are incredible opportunities right here in the South West.’
National Manufacturing Day is coordinated by Make UK to celebrate the contribution of manufacturing to the UK economy, challenge outdated perceptions of the sector – and inspire more young people to consider a career in industry.
