Dave
Atkinson is UK Head of Manufacturing, SME Banking at Lloyds Bank Commercial. He
is presenting ‘Supply chain challenges and opportunities’ at 2pm on Tuesday 6
June.
What’s the biggest challenge facing the industry
this year?
There are a few challenges facing the sector at this time but our recent Business in Britain report showed that economic uncertainty and weaker demand are the greatest threats for the year ahead. Coupled with this is the uncertainty around our future trading relationship with the EU and pricier imports as a result of the weaker pound.
There are a few challenges facing the sector at this time but our recent Business in Britain report showed that economic uncertainty and weaker demand are the greatest threats for the year ahead. Coupled with this is the uncertainty around our future trading relationship with the EU and pricier imports as a result of the weaker pound.
And the biggest opportunity?
Some manufacturers are taking the opportunity to review their international trade strategies and look beyond the EU, especially taking advantage in the short term of the devaluation of sterling making our exports more competitive.
Some manufacturers are taking the opportunity to review their international trade strategies and look beyond the EU, especially taking advantage in the short term of the devaluation of sterling making our exports more competitive.
Is leaving the EU good or bad for UK manufacturing?
There is no one answer to this as it will depend on so many factors – for example it will depend on how much you export, where you biggest markets are and where demand will come from in the future.
There is no one answer to this as it will depend on so many factors – for example it will depend on how much you export, where you biggest markets are and where demand will come from in the future.
Do you think the industry will suffer if leaving
the EU restricts free movement of labour?
The manufacturing industry has always shown resilience in times of change. While we don’t know all the details yet, I have no doubt that the sector will adapt accordingly so that any impact is managed carefully.
The manufacturing industry has always shown resilience in times of change. While we don’t know all the details yet, I have no doubt that the sector will adapt accordingly so that any impact is managed carefully.
Do you think the Apprentice Levy is a good thing?
Apprenticeships have a vital role to play in securing the skills businesses need to drive productivity and growth while also ensuring young people are given every opportunity to develop a fulfilling and rewarding career. It’s important that the Apprenticeship Levy builds on this by supporting manufacturers’ training ambitions and offering valuable and aspirational roles as shown in our recent report with the EEF. We have committed £1m a year, over five years to support the Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre in Coventry, supporting over 1,000 apprentices, graduates & trainees to help address the skills gap in the sector.
Apprenticeships have a vital role to play in securing the skills businesses need to drive productivity and growth while also ensuring young people are given every opportunity to develop a fulfilling and rewarding career. It’s important that the Apprenticeship Levy builds on this by supporting manufacturers’ training ambitions and offering valuable and aspirational roles as shown in our recent report with the EEF. We have committed £1m a year, over five years to support the Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre in Coventry, supporting over 1,000 apprentices, graduates & trainees to help address the skills gap in the sector.
If you were in Government, what would you do to
encourage more women and young people to work in the engineering and
manufacturing industries?
Eliminating stereotypes remains a vital part of the process which can hold people back. The sector is heading in the right direction with more female representation on senior boards and the drive for better apprenticeships, however more can be done. The onus remains on the industry to create a more diverse workforce and showcase inspirational role models. This will help eliminate old stereotypes, and provide evidence of what women and young people can achieve by pursuing their ambitions.
Eliminating stereotypes remains a vital part of the process which can hold people back. The sector is heading in the right direction with more female representation on senior boards and the drive for better apprenticeships, however more can be done. The onus remains on the industry to create a more diverse workforce and showcase inspirational role models. This will help eliminate old stereotypes, and provide evidence of what women and young people can achieve by pursuing their ambitions.
What are
your thoughts on Industry 4.0?
Manufacturing is a constantly evolving industry. From investments in technology, automation and digitisation through to improvements in productivity and products, the sector never rests on its laurels. But I believe it could do more to gear up to the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0. Creating awareness of opportunities and just what it actually means will help generate enthusiasm and action.
Manufacturing is a constantly evolving industry. From investments in technology, automation and digitisation through to improvements in productivity and products, the sector never rests on its laurels. But I believe it could do more to gear up to the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0. Creating awareness of opportunities and just what it actually means will help generate enthusiasm and action.
While the
understanding of Industry 4.0 is improving, it is still relatively low – almost
three quarters of the industry don’t understand what the term really means for
them. Firms are working towards the same goals by investing in automation,
robotics and other new technologies and manufacturing processes such as 3D
printing. Many businesses, particularly SMEs, don’t have the time or experience
to get their business ready for smart factories and some new technology. They
risk falling behind but getting expert advice and encouraging them to explore
opportunities can help.
Don't miss Dave's session - and 35 other first class presentations at this year's Subcon conference delivered by The Engineer and The Manufacturer. Register now for your free pass at the Subcon website.
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