The latest iteration of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy promises to be much more than a mere policy document – it aspires to be an inflection point for the transformation of British industry. But to truly shift the dial, it must move from aspiration to activation, bridging systemic gaps between strategy, execution and local delivery. At its core, the strategy recognises that the levers that determine economic growth and industrial competitiveness are now highly interconnected. Energy affordability, supply chain resilience, workforce skills, and regional ecosystems, no longer operate in silos. The decision to invest £600m in strategic sites and £22.6bn in innovation and R&D by 2030, signals an ambitious pivot toward infrastructure enhancement and long-term technological leadership. This is not just welcome – it’s vital. One of the most promising aspects is the sharp focus on advanced manufacturing. Doubling business investment to £39bn by 2035, expanding Made Smarter Adoption, and rolling out Robotics Adoption Hubs, send a clear message: automation is no longer optional. It’s a strategic imperative. Gambica contributed to the original Made Smarter Review, published in 2017, which paved the way for the Made Smarter Adoption Programme, so a focus on a wider rollout is certainly welcomed by us and our members. For SMEs – particularly those navigating post-Brexit turbulence and global pressures – the robotics hubs could be lifelines, offering not just access to robotics, but guidance, training, and cross-sectoral collaboration. The £2bn AI Action Plan is especially compelling in its intent to scale responsible AI and automation. In a landscape where “automating automation” is becoming a reality, the UK must define its position. If implemented with rigorous guardrails, this could support manufacturers not only to enhance digital adoption but also to innovate ethically, thus protecting workforce integrity while accelerating productivity gains. UK manufacturers have long battled against high energy bills, which impact energy-intensive sectors disproportionately. The British Industry Supercharger and Competitiveness Scheme are bold interventions, offering up to 90% network charge discounts and removing green levies. At Gambica, we of course support a reduction in energy costs, however it's not enough to focus on low-cost energy if it’s being used inefficiently. Real savings come from deploying the right equipment, such as variable-speed drives and soft-starters, that match the application, and to actively monitor or reduce actual energy consumption and waste. Equally essential is the proposed overhaul of skills and training through Skills England. Replacing IfATE (the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) and introducing a Youth Guarantee, shorter apprenticeship durations, and relaxed entry requirements, will help attract STEM talent and rebalance workforce demographics. For manufacturers – especially those embracing digital transformation – this could be the key to aligning industrial needs with human capital. That said, lasting change requires deep-rooted partnerships between industry and academia. Colleges and technical institutions must be empowered to co-create curricula and respond dynamically to emerging skill gaps. Gambica has been working to bridge this gap through the formation of our Industry and Academic Collaboration group which is now in its fourth year of development. We are working with industry and academia to influence better relationships and collaborative opportunities from placements to research. The new industrial strategy presents a compelling vision: smarter, cleaner, more competitive British industry. It is a blueprint that needs to be built on, worked with and developed. For it to succeed, every pillar will require multi-level commitment. If the government delivers on its promises with speed and transparency, and if industry leans into collaboration with plenty of incentives, the UK has a real shot at becoming a global leader in nextgeneration manufacturing. n * Gambica is the trade association for the automation, control, instrumentation and laboratory technology sectors in the UK. You can get in touch with Nikesh Mistry on 020 7642 8094 or nikesh.mistry@gambica.org.uk, or via the Gambica Web site: www.gambica.org.uk UK industrial strategy: a potential gamechanger The government has recently published its long-awaited Modern Industrial Strategy which sets out its plans to deliver the UK’s future industries. Nikesh Mistry*, Gambica’s sector head for automation, has been digging into the massive publication which, with its multiple annexes, runs to more than 600 pages. “The new industrial strategy presents a compelling vision: smarter, cleaner, more competitive British industry. It is a blueprint that needs to be built on, worked with and developed.” July/August 2025 www.drivencontrols.com 56
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