Following the release of the Government’s Industrial Strategy in June, the Manufacturing Commission is undertaking a new inquiry to scrutinise the Strategy and make recommendations to help the Government deliver on its aims.  

Scoping for this inquiry identified the vital role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in the UK’s manufacturing sector.  However, the business environment for manufacturing SMEs has become particularly challenging in recent years.  Two of the biggest challenges reported to the Commission by manufacturing SMEs have been the recent sharp rise in energy costs and the impacts caused by disruption to global supply chains.  This meeting aims to collect further evidence on these challenges and develop policy recommendations to address them.

Chair: Catherine Atkinson MP

Speakers: Bill Esterson MP & Councillor Nadine Peatfield

This meeting will be held at Derby International Business School.  For information on attendance, please email robert.allen [at] policyconnect.org.uk