- The Government has welcomed over £250 billion of investment
since the launch of the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy in June.
- 45,000 jobs will be supported thanks to investment
commitments made into the strategy's key growth driving sectors.
- Figures reinforce the government's commitment to driving
growth in communities all across the UK as it delivers on the
Plan for Change.
Since July, the Government has secured over £250 billion of
investment into the IS-8 sectors, supporting 45,000 high-quality
jobs in communities across the UK.
These achievements mark a significant milestone since the launch
of the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy in June, reinforcing the
Government's commitment to long-term economic growth, innovation,
and national resilience.
From advanced manufacturing to clean energy, creative industries
to defence and digital technologies, the strategy is already
delivering tangible results — unlocking private investment,
creating high-quality jobs, and positioning the UK as a global
leader in future-facing sectors.
These achievements – summarised in the first Quarterly Update,
published today – are just the beginning of a long-term plan to
build a more productive, innovative, and resilient economy. The
Industrial Strategy is not just a vision — it is a delivery
programme, already shaping the UK's economic future.
Business and Trade Secretary said:
Our Industrial Strategy has hit the ground running — securing
over £250 billion in investment and supporting 45,000 jobs in
just a few months. This shows our strategy is not just working —
it's transforming communities and industries across the country
as we deliver on our Plan for Change.
From pioneering clean energy to scaling up advanced manufacturing
and digital innovation, we're backing the sectors that will
define the future. This strategy is about delivery, not just
ambition — and it's already laying the foundations for a
stronger, more resilient economy that works for everyone.
Advanced Manufacturing
The newly launched DRIVE35 programme is injecting £2.5 billion
into the automotive sector, supporting capital investment and
R&D. A £650 million electric vehicle grant scheme is already
accelerating consumer adoption, while over 50 cutting-edge auto
projects have secured £70 million in innovation funding.
Clean Energy Industries
The UK's clean energy ambitions are advancing at pace. The
Contracts for Difference Allocation Round 7 has opened with a
£544 million budget, while ten hydrogen projects from Allocation
Round 1 are now moving forward — creating over 700 jobs. Two new
Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) projects will join the
HyNet cluster, supporting nearly 3,000 jobs across North Wales
and the North West.
Creative Industries
The government is investing in the UK's world-class creative
industries, with £150 million from the Creative Places Growth
Fund allocated to regions including the West Midlands and Greater
Manchester. New higher technical qualifications and a Creative
Careers Programme are being developed to inspire the next
generation of talent.
Defence
An £182 million Defence Skills package will establish five new
Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, while £220 million is
being invested in test and evaluation capabilities through the
Defence Tech Scaler. A further £65 million is supporting SMEs and
exporters in the defence sector.
Digital and Technologies
In digital tech, the creation of a new AI Growth Zone in the
North East is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs and attract
more than £30 billion in private investment. The UK-US Tech
Prosperity Agreement is also unlocking new opportunities in AI,
quantum, and digital trade.
Financial Services
The UK is sharpening its competitive edge in financial services
with the launch of a new Office for Investment concierge service
this October, designed to streamline support for firms and
attract global capital. A bold consultation on regulatory reform
is underway, including plans to merge the Payment System
Regulator and Financial Conduct Authority—a move set to simplify
oversight and boost innovation.
Life Sciences
The UK is cementing its position as a global life sciences
powerhouse with the launch of Europe's first Biofoundry for mRNA
manufacturing in Darlington, backed by £30 million in government
support. A £50 million Transformational R&D Investment Fund
Pilot is now live, alongside the opening of Moderna's Innovation
and Technology Centre, part of a landmark £1 billion, 10-year
partnership. To supercharge research, a new body has been created
to deliver a £600 million Health Data Research Service, offering
secure, streamlined access to NHS data through a single gateway.
Professional and Business Services
The UK's professional services sector is gearing up for a
digital-first future. A new Made Smarter delivery model is being
co-developed with Mayoral Strategic Authorities, ready for
rollout in 2026 to boost productivity and innovation. Meanwhile,
the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World' roadshow landed in
Edinburgh, connecting small businesses with global trade
opportunities and showcasing the best of British enterprise on
the international stage.
Notes to editors
- You can find the Industrial Strategy Quarterly Report [July
to September] here.
