Plant & Works Engineering September 2022 Issue

News 0 6 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk September 2022 UK manufacturers are calling for a ‘shock and awe’ Budget by bringing forward a package of policy measures on the scale of those seen during the worst points of the pandemic to prevent a permanent scarring of the economy and help avert a severe recession, potentially substantial insolvencies and job losses. The call comes on the back of data from Make UK showing the massive impact of rising energy costs on companies, together with the cumulative effect of increases in other business expenses such as increased transport costs and disruption alongside National Insurance Contributions and the proposed increase in Corporation Tax. According to Make UK, the impact of the potent cocktail of factors from the last few years, now being compounded by the energy crisis, is as big a threat to manufacturers as the Covid pandemic, if not greater. As well as the impact of the rise in energy costs, almost three quarters of companies (74%) say they are facing increased transportation costs and more than four fifths (82%) reported transport disruption is an issue for their business. Four in ten companies surveyed said that disruption at the Dover Calais crossing was causing either catastrophic or major disruption to their business. The measures Make UK is proposing include specific proposals on energy, as well as a range of measures to aid cashflow, provide greater access to Labour supply along with initiatives to encourage investment, especially in energy efficiency technologies. Commenting, Chief Executive of Make UK, Stephen Phipson, said: “Whilst industry has recovered strongly over the last year, we are clearly heading for very stormy waters in the face of eyewatering increases in energy costs and a difficult international environment. This threatens to shatter expectations of a sustained recovery from the pandemic. “Some of the factors impacting companies are global and cannot be contained by the UK Government alone. However, just as it is quite rightly taking measures to protect the least well off, given the rate at which companies are burning through their balance sheets just to survive, it must take immediate and substantial measures to help shield companies from the worst impact of escalating costs and help protect jobs. “We need a shock and awe suite of proposals to protect viable companies and jobs and we need them now. Manufacturers cannot afford to wait for a functioning Government to get its feet under the table.” UK manufacturers call for ‘shock and awe’ Budget Global science-based technology manufacturer 3M has become the latest company to join the Manufacturing Technology Centre as a tier 3 member. 3M has been working alongside the MTC since 2018 on several different projects and as part of its membership, is expecting to focus on utilising manufacturing technology and application to abrasive and adhesive systems. David Lever, Business Development Manager, MTC commented: “We are delighted to have 3M join as a member. We have been working with 3M for a number of years, so I’m pleased to see the relationship move to a new level with MTC membership.” Fabrice Moguet, Senior Vice President, R&D Safety and Industrial Business Group at 3M, added: “3M sees great value in establishing this strategic partnership with MTC through membership. Collaborating with MTC will help to upscale value-created advanced technology MTC capabilities and accelerate our innovation journey on connected automation and digital solutions.” 3M, founded in 1902, operates 97 manufacturing and converting facilities in 35 countries internationally, and was ranked #86 in the Global Innovation 1000 study (strategy&, PWC). 3M employs 2150 people in the UK across 15 locations, including six manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, personal safety equipment and adhesive tapes. 3M becomes latest MTC sign-up