Manufacturing Links
The ten year vision for manufacturing in the region is for manufacturing companies to have increased the proportion of their turnover derived from new products and services, for many more businesses to be competing globally, for them to be employing workers with the higher skills necessary to achieve this, and for strong growth particularly amongst the region’s middle sized companies. The focus areas to assist in achieving this vision are Technology & Innovation, Business Improvement, Skills & Image, Capital Investment, Inward Investment, and Public Procurement
Technology & Innovation
We will develop world-class R&D capabilities to create globally competitive, innovative, high value-added products and services. By continuing to innovate we can protect our long term competitiveness, and by adopting new technologies and introducing new goods and services we can make sure that the West Midlands’ manufacturing sector thrives. Already home to some superb private sector facilities and a strong university network, we’re here to forge stronger links
Business Improvement
We will support the development of globally competitive businesses through modernisation, and develop businesses’ performance and the region’s manufacturing enterprise through a more responsive and effective business support service. To remain competitive and exploit new markets, businesses need to continually improve and innovate. A business support network exists to help your business do this.
Skills & Image
We will raise demand for, and improve the use of, higher level skills, and boost employment and investment in manufacturing by creating positive attitudes. The image of manufacturing needs to improve if manufacturers are to attract skilled people.
Capital Investment
We will increase levels of capital investment to encourage more enterprise and increased productivity. Investment is important in boosting productivity. Globally competitive plants in the developed world tend to be capital intensive which is why we’re seeking to support you by increasing awareness of sources of finance and encouraging its take-up to raise the number of manufacturing businesses investing in new plant and equipment.
Inward Investment
We will exploit international opportunities by promoting the West Midlands as a preferred destination for inward investment, while also supporting trade and outward investment. Exports and inward investment are vitally important, and emerging markets like China and India present real opportunities. We hope to build on inward investment by encouraging new foreign investors to come to the region, and support further investment in existing foreign-owned plants.
Public Procurement
We will create a more open, transparent and predictable procurement process which encourages the development of new and innovative technologies. Government has the scope to encourage investment through its own procurement policies, and we know that programmes can provide strong incentives to develop innovative new products, so new initiatives will help you maximise all opportunities.
