Chris Arrowsmith, the Managing Director of Midland Deburr & Finish in Lye, Stourbridge, calls for the UK manufacturing community to step up and play a crucial role in the economic resurgence of the UK economy, amidst dampening confidence in the recent PMI report, which showed contraction of the UK manufacturing sector in Q2, by focusing on the environmental gains of sourcing locally. “Last week, media outlets reported a government U-turn on impending implementation of environmental measures around banning of diesel cars sold in the UK; which has only served to cause further uncertainty in the business community – but there is a more simple, more accessible solution: ‘Buy British.’ We need to embrace the tremendous opportunity within our grasp and back our domestic manufacturing capability by conscientiously backing products made in this country’, explains Arrowsmith. 

“We’ve continued to invest throughout 2023 and have benefitted in the reshoring trend that UK manufacturers have been able to leverage due to economic and political uncertainty on the continent, but it doesn’t stop there. We need to continue this behaviour, not simply revert back to the status quo. In times of economic uncertainty, the natural response is that of hesitancy, caution and conservative fiscal practice; but this drives delay and uncertainty throughout the supply chain; which holds back investment, job creation and even new products. 

However, if both local communities and businesses continue to promote the values, quality and benefits of ‘Buying British’ we can continue secure economic growth and confidence in our local companies at a time when we need it most; it’s good for business, it’s good for the environment and therefore combined, can only be good for our community. Midland Deburr & Finish specialises in Vibro Deburring, Vapour Degreasing, and Solvent Degreasing, contributing significantly to the removal of operational bottlenecks in the metal finishing industry. 

“If the UK backs its domestic manufacturing capability and we can look after the planet at the same time, we will also go a long way to overcoming the long-term negative perceptions of the sector which continues to drive the rhetoric of the well-publicised ‘skills gap’ which has led to low levels of gender and age diversity. However, according to a recent Make UK survey, the perception of the manufacturing sector in the UK is undergoing a monumental shift. 

The study, which involved 2,436 participants, reveals that the majority of the general public now recognises the immense importance of manufacturing to the future of the UK economy. Over three-quarters of respondents view manufacturing as a sector that not only delivers solutions today but also addresses the challenges of tomorrow. 

This dramatic change in perception extends beyond the economic value of manufacturing. The survey “Perceptions vs Reality,” conducted by Savanta for Make UK in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, highlights substantial improvements in perceptions regarding pay, working conditions, and career prospects within the sector. Comparing these findings with a survey from years ago, it becomes evident that there has been a substantial turnaround in the public’s perception of manufacturing. In the past, negative media coverage and a prevailing sentiment that Britain no longer “made things” had led to a bleak outlook. At that time, only 70% of respondents believed that manufacturing was critical to the growth of the UK economy. Today, an impressive 93% recognise its vital role. 

The report cites the turning point in this perception shift appears to have coincided with coming through the COVID-19 pandemic. During these challenging times, the UK manufacturing sector demonstrated its resilience and adaptability by contributing global advances in medical devices; even automotive manufacturers pivoted to produce ventilators, clothing and textile companies switched to manufacturing medical gowns and facemasks, and food and drink factories contributed by producing hand sanitizers. The UK’s pharmaceutical companies played a leading role in developing and manufacturing life-saving vaccines, allowing the nation to return to a semblance of normality. 

“This wouldn’t have been possible if the manufacturers in the UK just maintained the status quo, we’ve demonstrated tremendous agility to overcome not just this, but also the conflict in Russia, the ongoing effects of Brexit and the ongoing exodus of skilled workers in the sector retiring. Achieving societal recognition of the great things we can achieve by embracing the sector more and favouring domestically manufactured products is the final piece of the jigsaw” believes Arrowsmith. 

Midland Deburr & Finish Ltd call upon other privately run firms to laud these remarkable developments within the wider manufacturing sector. Its own specialisation in Vibro Deburring, Vapour Degreasing, and Solvent Degreasing has been a crucial part of achieving the high safety and quality standards which UK manufactured components are famous for and the firm’s commitment to innovation, quality, and adaptability has been crucial in supporting bigger firms who have themselves, helped reshape the public perception of manufacturing and be instrumental in driving the sector forward. 

Chris Arrowsmith encourages others within the manufacturing supply chain to stand up and be proud of their contributions to the UK’s economic growth and resilience. As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve and adapt to meet the challenges of the future and showcase the best of British manufacturing expertise. 

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