Lee Hopley, Chief Economist at EEF, the manufacturers’
organisation, says: “This report is a thorough and
thoughtful contribution to the development of an important
economic plan. It makes it clear that a comprehensive,
well-structured and Government-wide industrial strategy is the
right way forward. The committee’s recommendations on the need
for industrial strategy to transcend the traditional ‘to do’
lists of existing policies will command wide support from
manufacturers who recognise that industrial success will stem
from a structured, transparent, long-term plan.
“The concept of metrics which are annually monitored and provide
guidance for Government departments on where efforts and cash
should be focussed is absolutely the right starting point, as is
the emphasis on horizontal policies. These must be more than
aspirations – it’s mission critical for the UK’s industrial
strategy to deliver this time.
“It's helpful to have this critique now at the start of the
process and BEIS mustn’t waste this opportunity to get it right.
The advice and pointers in this report will help Government to
develop a more ambitious white paper and we look forward to
continuing to work alongside Government to ensure we get a
robust, long-term industrial strategy in place that supports
business and Government's post-Brexit ambitions.
