Revitalize Manufacturing: Urgent Call for Government Action in Upcoming Budget

In a poignant plea to the government, Gerry Dunne, director of Pre-Met, a metal-pressing firm in Redditch, asserted that the future of manufacturing in the UK hangs in the balance as the government prepares for its upcoming Budget. With concerns mounting over rising operational costs, Dunne emphasized that the entire industry is apprehensive about what the Budget will bring, stating, “We need to hear something positive.”

The firm has been experiencing a notable decline in demand for its specialized metal parts, both domestically and internationally, a trend that has severely impacted its profitability. As prices for materials and energy continue to skyrocket, Dunne warned that such economic pressures could soon render businesses unsustainable. He firmly believes that while no single solution exists, the government must acknowledge that manufacturing serves as the backbone of the UK economy.

Having been established in 1973, Pre-Met generates an impressive £6 million in annual turnover, supplying metals for various industries, including transport and electronics. Furthermore, Dunne raised an alarm about an impending ’brain drain’ in manufacturing, as many seasoned workers approach retirement without a sufficient number of younger professionals entering the field. He urged the government to invest in skills development to ensure that the workforce remains robust in the years to come.

In response to these concerns, the government has pledged a record investment of £1.2 billion aimed at bridging skills gaps in the economy and creating 120,000 new training opportunities. A Treasury spokesperson reassured that the government is committed to being pro-business, working on business rate reforms, and addressing the top priorities of the British public, such as enhancements in healthcare and improvements in wages.

As the Budget date approaches, the manufacturing sector watches closely, hoping that decisive government action will pave the way for a revitalized future.