Made: In Britain

Laura McBrown, MD, G&B Electronics – During the pandemic, G&B Electronics recognised the importance of engaging with all their workforce - both those still working on site but equally those working from home. Managers appreciated quickly the different challenges facing both groups of workers, and that each way of working presented its own unique stresses. Laura speaks of the importance of regular engagement with the workforce and how seemingly small things can make a big impact. G&B Electronics are now seeing a a real return on their investment in this space.

Dr Shaun Lundy, Director for Strategy & Innovation, Tetra Consultancy – Shaun, who works closely as an adviser to Make UK, speaks on best practice and what businesses can be doing to improve their support. He looks at best practice including wellbeing programmes put in place by  BT and GlaxoSmithKline who have made great inroads into work in care for their employees in the wellbeing space. Culture change is key to making an impact in, its not just a matter of offering support, senior staff within a business need to buy into it to make any initiative a success.

Minister for Disabled people, Health and Work, Chloe Smith MP - Recognises there has been a shift in perception over attitudes to mental health and an increased willingness from both individuals to speak about issues and from employers keen to have conversations with their workforces. She explains in this podcast why it is a hugely positive shift in thinking that mental health is now getting the attention in the workplace it rightfully deserves. Absenteeism and presenteeism costs around £50billion a year to UK business and research has shown that addressing mental health and wellbeing issues can help businesses unlock productivity, keep staff for longer and reduce absenteeism. Government continues to work closely with HSE on this issue.

Make UK & BDO Manufacturing Outlook 2021 Q3

The British defence sector will play a key role in maximising the success of the UK economy, according to a report by Make UK, in partnership with Raytheon UK. In our latest podcast, Jonty Bloom speaks with Andrew Kinniburgh, Director at Make UK Defence, Andrew Hattam, Head of Supply Chain at Raytheon UK, and Alan Tovey, Industry Editor at The Daily Telegraph, about what more can be done to free up the sector, seize export opportunities and encourage the all-important SME sector.

The Make UK/BDO quarterly manufacturing outlook survey for the first second months of 2021 shows that the sector is beginning a sustained and strong bounce back, even earlier than hoped. As Jonty Bloom explains in his latest podcast output volumes are the highest ever recorded, with both British and export orders rebounding. Hello and welcome to this Make UK podcast in conjunction with the business advisors BDO. We have all the details on the latest in depth survey of British manufacturing industry. This shows that output and orders are improving, employment prospects have improved and overall the growth forecast for manufacturing has been increased yet again, this time doubling and it is now expected to reach 7.8% for the whole year.  To discuss the survey I am joined by James Broom (Brougham) senior economist at Make UK and Richard Austin head of manufacturing at BDO and I started by asking James whether manufacturing had been expected to bounce back this quickly.. Richard Austin and James Broom on the

The Make UK/BDO quarterly manufacturing outlook survey for the first quarter of 2021 shows how Britain’s manufacturers are beginning to move through the gears as growth prospects become more positive for the rest of the year. The survey shows the brutal impact of the pandemic with the sector has seen a 10% fall in output in 2020. In contrast, as the vaccine programme gathers pace and major markets recover Make UK has upgraded its growth forecast for 2021 from 2.7% to 3.9% Jonty Bloom sits down with our Economist James Brougham & Richard Austin from BDO UK to discuss the findings of our Q1 2021 Manufacturing Outlook report.

The Make UK/BDO quarterly manufacturing outlook survey for the last quarter of 2020 shows that Britain’s manufacturers have slashed their forecast for growth next year with a darkening picture for exports ahead of the departure from the EU. Jonty Bloom sits down with our Economist James Brougham & Richard Austin from BDO UK to discuss the findings of our Q4 2020 Manufacturing Outlook report and they explore what the future holds for the manufacturing sector post after the transition periods ends on 31 December. 

The Make UK/BDO quarterly manufacturing outlook survey for the third quarter of 2020 shows that the sector has climbed off the bottom but that there is no evidence of a V shaped recovery. As Jonty Bloom explains in his latest podcast a lack of investment is one of the manufacturing sectors biggest problems.

The latest BDO/Make UK survey of the second quarter of 2020 has been published. The coronavirus has had a devasting effect on the British economy and manufacturing has taken a huge hit. With both domestic and export orders down, major redundancies announced and some industries like motor manufacturing grinding to a halt. For a detailed analysis of what this all means our latest podcast is a must-listen. Read the full report here makeuk.org

Welcome to the latest Made in Britain podcast, this one was recorded at Make UK’s annual conference in Central London, where the elephant in the room was once again Brexit. It even kept some of us from our food. Featuring: Stephen Phipson, Make UK, CEO Stephen Kelly, Manufacturing NI, CEO Danny McCoy, IBEC, CEO Paul Sheerin, Scottish Engineering, CEO

Tariffs and rules of origin, just two aspects of our trading relationship with the EU which will change dramatically when the UK leaves. So what do they mean, how do they work and where can you get reliable information on how they will affect you. This week’s Made in Britain podcast presented by Jonty Bloom has the answers.

In our latest Brexit podcast Jonty Bloom gets the thoughts of our Chief Economist, Seamus Nevin, on the outlook for the manufacturing industry.

What are the investment opportunities around Brexit? In our latest Brexit podcast Jonty Bloom has been trying to find out.

At the moment the UK economy is dependent on immigration, both through the free movement of labour within the EU and with an immigration policy for high skilled workers; people with degree’s or equivalent, a sponsor firm and who will earn over a certain amount of money.  After Brexit that will change, but what will replace it. The Government and many others are talking about the UK adopting an Australian style point-based system.  But what is and would it work. Jonty Bloom has been finding out in our latest Made In Britain podcast.

Is Brexit an opportunity to cut red tape, weaken or abolish unnecessary regulations and make the UK a more competitive place to manufacture products than the EU?  That has always been one of the big selling points of Brexit, but is it really going to be that simple. In the latest Made in Britain podcast Jonty Bloom has been finding out.

In our second Made in Britain podcast we look at how to prepare for a no deal Brexit and especially how to handle the paperwork and tariffs needed to trade with the EU. Who is responsible for the red tape and added costs? What will HMRC want from you and will your shipping agent be ready? Make UK represents 20,000 of Britain’s largest manufacturers. For Brexit advice and access to our experts, contact us on Brexit@makeuk.org or visit the Brexit Hub on our website

Business reporter Jonty Bloom speaks to Make UK’s employment expert Tim Thomas about what business have to do to ensure their European workers can remain in the UK after we leave the European Union. He also explores how a business can send staff to the EU post Brexit in order to service equipment or honour their contractual obligations with their European customers. Find out more here  You will also get the chance to meet Jenny Holloway, owner of UK Fashion Enter, a social enterprise clothing factory in North London and hear first-hand what a shortage of EU workers will mean for British business. Jenny manufacturers for start-ups and small brands alongside household names such as ASOS and M&S. She explains how she relies on the specialist skills from many European employees. Find out more about Fashion Enter here  Make UK represents 20,000 of Britain’s largest manufacturers. For Brexit advice and access to our experts, contact us on Brexit@makeuk.org or visit the Brexit Hub on our website