As the Labour Party Conference kicks off this weekend, Made in Britain, a trade association that unites domestic manufacturers through the official Made in Britain Trademark, has issued a cross-party call for MPs to actively support local manufacturers.
The organisation is urging politicians from all political parties to discover, collaborate with, and promote manufacturers in their constituencies, while also advocating for policies that bolster the British manufacturing sector.
Made in Britain’s senior management team, including newly-elected Chairman Camilla Hadcock, will be attending the Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat Party Conferences to spotlight the Made in Britain Trademark and its community of 2,100 manufacturers spread across the UK. Their presence aims to encourage MPs to take action through a focused three-point Call to Action:
Discover Your Local Manufacturers:
MPs are encouraged to identify and engage with manufacturers within their constituencies, recognising the significant role these companies play in driving local innovation, economic growth, and job creation. Made in Britain will assist MPs by providing a contact list of local manufacturers within a 20-mile radius of their constituency head offices, facilitating direct engagement and collaboration.
Champion Economic and Social Value (ESV):
MPs are called upon to advocate for policies that prioritise supply chain resilience, sustainability, and social responsibility within the manufacturing sector. Made in Britain emphasises the importance of British manufacturers in fostering a greener and more equitable economy, highlighting efforts to close the ‘circularity gap’ by encouraging the use of recycled and reusable materials and reducing reliance on virgin raw materials.
Support British Manufacturing in Parliament:
MPs can support the growth of the manufacturing sector by promoting a legislative environment that enables manufacturers to thrive domestically and in export markets. This includes advocating for improved infrastructure, access to support services, and policies that favour manufacturing growth and sustainability.
MPs attending the upcoming conferences will also be introduced to the Made in Britain Autumn British Manufacturing Barometer, which underscores the sector’s contributions to sustainability and social responsibility. This initiative provides MPs with valuable insights into the origins of British goods and the critical role of domestic manufacturers.
John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, stressed the importance of MP engagement: “Manufacturers are the backbone of our economy, driving UK innovation and providing vital jobs across the country. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that MPs take an active role in championing these businesses and ensuring they have the support they need to compete on the global stage. By engaging with local manufacturers and advocating for policies that foster supply chain localisation, improved access and green growth, every single MP can contribute to unlocking the full potential of UK manufacturing – building a more sustainable and prosperous future for all of us.”
As the UK faces economic challenges, Made in Britain’s call to action serves as a timely reminder of the importance of supporting domestic manufacturing. By fostering stronger ties between MPs and local manufacturers, the organisation hopes to drive meaningful change that will bolster the sector’s resilience, competitiveness, and contribution to a sustainable UK economy.