UK seeks feedback on industrial strategy

THE UK government is asking for feedback on a new industrial strategy, Invest 2035, focused on attracting investment in eight priority sectors where it sees the largest potential for growth.

These include advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, and life sciences. Among the questions asked are “What are the most important subsectors and technologies to focus on?”, “What are the UK’s strengths in these subsectors?” and “What are the barriers to competitive industrial activity?”.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds has promised to end instability and “give investors a ten-year plan to choose Britain”.

Stephen Phipson, CEO of manufacturers’ organisation Make UK, said leaving industrial strategy to the free market “is an ideology which is long past its sell by date”. He welcomed that Clare Barclay, CEO of Microsoft UK, will chair an independent Industrial Strategy Advisory Council. “Industry will no longer fear the constant chop and change in policy we have seen over the last decade or so and can focus on the long term. It is important that the government is delivering on its promises.”

IChemE is in the process of formulating its response. The public consultation is open until 24 November here: https://bit.ly/40jrypR