Policy Connect and the Manufacturing Commission were delighted to release our latest report, ‘Upskilling Industry: Manufacturing Productivity and Growth in England’, in Parliament recently.  

Joined by Minister Kevin Hollinrake MP and Shadow Minister Chi Onwurah MP, the launch event brought together industry stakeholders, parliamentarians, and academics for the launch of Upskilling Industry and its recommendations to spur productivity and growth in England’s manufacturing sector.  

The Manufacturing Commission’s inquiry explored the challenges of upskilling the manufacturing workforce and how recent further education reform can be best navigated by businesses, education providers, and individuals. 

Drawing on evidence from Parliamentarians, civil servants, academics, and industry stakeholders, Upskilling Industry calls for the UK Government to provide greater support for businesses in the manufacturing sector.  

In a discussion chaired by Lord Bilimoria, panellists and contributors noted that the recommendations outlined in the report can play a pivotal role in discussions about the future of England’s manufacturing sector; reforms to further education and the skills system; and the prospect of government reintroducing an industrial strategy.  

The launch featured insightful contributions from: 

• Mark Pawsey MP 

• Rob Allen (report author) 

• Carl Perrin (Coventry University) 

• Andrew Everett (The ERA Foundation) 

• Jack Semple (Engineering and Machinery Alliance) 

• Robin Clark (WMG, University of Warwick) 

• Richard Jenkins (Lloyds Banking Group) 

Thanks to those who attended and our sponsors Coventry University, The ERA Foundation, Lloyds Banking Group, The Manufacturing Technologies Association, and WMG. 

For more information on Upskilling Industry, please contact robert.allen [at] policyconnect.org.uk (robert[dot]allen[at]policyconnect[dot]org[dot]uk).