November 2017

| Plant &Works Engineering | November 2017 News 10 Later this month the Chancellor will deliver one of the most closely watched and highly anticipated Budget Statements for some time. He will do so against an economic and political backdrop clouded with uncertainty, with the distinct possibility as I write that Brexit negotiations will have stalled. He will also be dealing with a slowing, anaemic UK economy which is set to be the laggard amongst the G7 and OECD economies this year and next. If he needs a pick me up, however, he could do worse than look to the performance of manufacturing which has enjoyed improving conditions through the course of 2017. Our latest survey shows robust activity across all sub-sectors with the new order pipeline buoyant and stronger recruitment intentions. The one area of weakness, however, is the subdued outlook for investment which our latest annual survey, produced in conjunction with Santander, shows remaining finely balanced. Most critically, our analysis of official data shows the UK levels of manufacturing investment still significantly behind our European competitors. It is with all this in mind that the Budget will have to address a range of competing priorities, from lifting public sector pay to offering some business certainty about the UK’s post Brexit business environment. Additionally, the continuous need to manage the trajectory of public sector borrowing has not diminished. Overall, measures announced in this statement should be consistent with the goal of eliminating the deficit as soon as possible. This can be achieved whilst making some adjustments to the business environment that would spur more investment in technology and productivity enhancing improvements across manufacturing and the wider private sector. Ultimately, this is what is needed to secure sustainable growth over the longer-term, as well as tackle the UK’s longstanding productivity gap. Critically, as far as manufacturers are concerned, fiscal policy decision in this Budget should be clearly aligned with a clear and ambitious industrial strategy. This must set out a framework that will provide certainty and predictability about government’s future policy choices and give manufacturers the confidence to invest. By EEF chief executive, Terry Scuoler EEF - the manufacturers’ organisation monthly news comment The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and ITN Productions have launched a news and current affairs-style programme‘Engineering the Next Generation,’which explores the challenges, careers and future of modern engineering in the UK. With the government announcing the £229 million of industrial strategy investment,‘Engineering the Next Generation’ brings to life the opportunities and challenges the sector in the UK faces, the changes in policy and long term impact on the UK economy. ‘Engineering the Next Generation’showcases the work being done to attract our future generations to engineering and the diverse range of jobs available in this sector, many which are unknown to career seekers. The programme also looks into how work experience and apprenticeships play a vital role in attracting the younger generation into a rewarding and life-long career in engineering. Drawing upon ITN’s 60 year heritage and expertise in storytelling, the news-style piece combines key interviews including Alison Carr, Director of Governance and Policy from the IET and Great British Bake Off star Andrew Smyth. The programme also includes stories from leading organisations including Bosch UK, EPSRC, G-Research, Johnson & Johnson Medical Limited, National Composites Centre, NM group, Reaction Engine Ltd, Thales, TTP plc and University of Strathclyde. The programme will form part of an extensive communications campaign featuring industry partners, as well as relevant journalists, writers and bloggers. Alison Carr, IET Director of Policy, said:“Our new online programme‘Engineering the Next Generation’addresses the current, most important challenges we are facing in the engineering and technology industry as well as showcasing the huge range of exciting and rewarding opportunities engineering presents. Engineers are creators, inventors and innovators and we hope this programme inspires the next generation of talent, who will play a vital role in shaping our future.” Simon Shelley, head of industry news, ITN Productions, said: “ITN Productions are delighted to have partnered with The Institution of Engineering and Technology to explore the future of engineering, what is being done to attract young people into engineering and the extensive range of careers available in modern engineering. By examining the importance of engineering we hope to contribute to the debate on howwe ensure the growth, talent and perceptions of the sector.” To watch‘Engineering the Next Generation’, please visit the IET’s website: www.theiet.org/itn The IET launches ‘Engineering the Next Generation’