All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group

APMG Promotes the Future of Manufacturing with 3D Printing Parliamentary Roundtable

This week the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group brought together policymakers, parliamentarians, manufacturers large and small, and academics to discuss the important topic of how 3D printing will change manufacturing in the UK and how this exciting new technology can be supported by government.

The meeting heard how exciting developments in 3D printing - or additive manufacturing (AM) - can lead to reshoring of manufacturing to the UK and have significant environmental benefits. However, we also explored the barriers to adopting the new technology, from standards and regulations, to skills and incentives, there were plenty of takeaways for the government and policy-makers on how to support this effort.

APMG Host Roundtable on Trade Remedies and Dumping with DIT Minister Graham Stuart MP

On Tuesday 13th March the APMG were pleased to facilitate a meeting between manufacturers and trade associations and Graham Stuart MP, minister in the Department for International Trade. The meeting was to discuss the trade remedies and anti-dumping legislation that is currently passing through the commons in the Customs Bill. Manufacturers have broad concerns around the divergence from EU regulations proposed by the government and the possibility that this will make the UK a target for dumping or make it more difficult for industry to challenge this in the courts. 

APMG Members Discuss how the Industrial Strategy can Support R&D

In a brilliant panel discussion chaired by Mark Pawsey MP, our members discussed the important topic of how R&D can be supported by the government's Industrial Strategy. Our panel included BAE Systems, Boeing, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, National Physical Laboratory, Cambridge's Institute for Manufacturing and Autodesk. The discussion focussed on how innovation is supported, both by the state and in industry, and how this activity can be incentivised across the manufacturing sector.

APMG Hosts Juergen Maier at 'Industrial Digitalisation Summit'

On the evening of Wednesday 6th December the APMG was proud to host an 'Industrial Digitalisation Summit' in the Houses of Parliament, to discuss with manufacturing sector figures, parliamentarians, and policymakers how the UK can lead the 4th Industrial Revolution.

We were extremely proud to host Prof Juergen Maier, chief executive of Siemens UK and author of the government's 'Made Smarter Review'. The session was hosted by the co-chairs of the APMG, Chris Green MP and Barry Sheerman MP and was attended by MPs and peers from across the political parties. In a panel discussion chaired by Dr George Dibb, we were pleased to also host other leaders in the sector; Dr Lina Huertas, Head of Technology Strategy for Digital Manufacturing at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC); James Selka Chief Executive of the Manufacturing Technologies Association; Liam Byrne MP Shadow Minister for Digital Economy, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Hodge Hill.

APMG Members Featured in Sunday Telegraph Manufacturing Supplement

The APMG were honoured to facilitate an expert panel of associate members from across the manufacturing sector in a special 'Manufacturing Our Future' supplement in the Sunday Telegraph.

Our ten panelists consisted of trade associations who support the APMG, as well as George Dibb, Head Industry, Technology & Innovation here at Policy Connect. Our panel were asked to consider the question 'What challenges does thefourth Industrial Revolutionpresent to SMEs?'

Click here to read more.

APMG Discusses Future of UK Manufacturing After the Customs Union

On Thursday 2nd November the APMG met to discuss the future of UK manufacturing after the UK leaves the customs union. Chaired by APMG vice-chair Baroness Burt, and with panelists Namali Mackay of the EEF and Prof L. Alan Winters of the UK Trade Policy Observatory, the discussion was very fruitful with a strong attendance by parliamentarians and manufacturers.

Industrial Strategy Builds on Manufacturing Commission Report on Industrial Evolution

On Monday 23rd January the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy released a substantial green paper setting out the governments approach to reforming British industry. This green paper set out 10 broad-ranging 'pillars' that together constitute the departments Industrial Strategy. 

Several of these pillars, and the detail in the governments green paper, build significantly upon the recommendations within the Manufacturing Commissions last report on 'Industrial Evolution'authored by Prof. Steve Evans of the Institute for Manufacturing and Chi Onwurah MP the shadow minister for Industrial Strategy. Some of the recommendations, especially around energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and publicly funded R&D, are addressed significantly by the government.