NEWS n 5 Manufacturers still see the UK as a competitive place to operate BRITIAN’S MANUFACTURERS believe that the introduction of an industrial strategy will be a gamechanger for increasing investment and boosting productivity, while helping them to secure the skills that they need for the future, according to a new survey by Make UK and PwC. It also reveals that, despite the current challenges – including escalating costs and a potential trade war – most manufacturers believe that the UK remains a competitive place in which to manufacture, and that the opportunities for their businesses in 2025 far outweigh the risks. However, as many think the UK economy will deteriorate in 2025, as will grow. The annual Make UK/PwC Executive Survey asked 161 senior manufacturing personnel about the opportunities, risks and challenges their business face in the year ahead, as well as the outlook for the UK and international economies. The survey reveals that, despite the challenges companies are facing at home and abroad, almost half of companies (49%) believe the UK remains a competitive place to manufacture, compared to a quarter who disagree. Almost two thirds (63%) believe the opportunities for their businesses in 2025 outweigh the risks, compared to 14% who disagree. However, almost as many companies (34%) think that the UK economy will deteriorate in 2025 as improve (37%). The vast majority (92%) think that their employment costs will rise, 76% think the costs from other business taxes will increase, and 72% expect their logistics and transport costs to grow. The manufacturers are backing their belief in the UK by developing new products, entering new markets and upskilling and retraining sta, the survey reveals. More than half (57%) are planning to increase investment in new technologies, AI and automation in response to a long-term industrial strategy. Almost half (43%) believe such a strategy will lead to increased productivity and 42% say it will help them secure the skills they need for the future. More than three quarters (78%) of the manufacturers say they are developing new products, almost half are www.drivesncontrols.com February 2025 A SWISS DEVELOPER of AI-driven robotic inspection systems has raised $60m in funding, taking its total to date to more than $130m. Zurich-based ANYbotics says that the money will accelerate its global scaling and expansion in the US, helping it to meet the growing demand for its four-legged, IP67-protected ANYmal robots that walk around industrial, energy and mining sites, inspecting equipment. Since its founding in 2016, ANYbotics has secured more than 100 customers, including BP, Equinor, Petrobras, Novelis and Outokumpu. It employs more than 200 people. The company says it is “poised to rede¤ne industrial inspection worldwide”. Part of the new funding will be spent on hardware and software developments to enhance the performance and versatility of ANYbotics’inspection systems. It will also be used to expand ANYmal’s payload oering, integrating enhanced sensor arrays for visual, acoustic, gas and thermal monitoring. The company is planning to use graphics processors to allow faster processing and advanced AI analytics for anomaly detection and condition monitoring. Also in the pipeline are smarter ways to transform industrial data into actionable insights, thus enabling realtime, remote monitoring of asset health to help cut downtime. “ANYbotics is tackling some of the most critical challenges in industrial automation with a truly groundbreaking approach, and the market’s response underscores the immense potential of their solutions,” says Michael Thomas, a partner in one of the lead investors, Supernova Invest. “We are thrilled to support their journey .” www.anybotics.com $60m injection will expand Swiss robotic inspection firm Where UK manufacturers see opportunities for growth. Source: Make UK PwC Executive Survey 2025 deploying new technologies, and 37% are planning to enter new markets. Make UK is urging the Government to set out in detail as soon as possible its full proposals for a formal long-term industrial strategy. It is also asking the Government to look at measures to mitigate these increases by reducing business rates, in particular, as well as measures and incentives to aid decarbonisation and energy e§ciency. “Manufacturers have demonstrated their resilience over and over again in recent years and, despite the numerous challenges they face, those that remain innovative and are prepared to invest in new technologies, expanding markets and, most crucially, their people will continue to thrive,”says Make UK CEO, Stephen Phipson. “But, they can only do this if they are operating in the most favourable business environment and there is little doubt that the next 12 months are set to be immensely challenging in a complex international environment. “To help companies navigate a way through these challenges it is now vital that Government sets out as a matter of urgency the immediate and signi¤cant priorities as part of its formal industrial strategy given the very clear bene¤ts manufacturers believe this will bring,” he adds. “By doing this, it will help re-boot business con¤dence and ensure the year gets o on a positive footing in terms of the relationship between industry and Government.” www.makeuk.org
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