News 08 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk February/March 2025 As we approach the Spring, with a new President in the US and a UK Government almost a year old, 2025 is proving to be no less challenging than recent years. But, despite the current challenges from escalating costs and a potential trade war, according to Make UK’s latest Senior Executive survey a majority of manufacturers believe that overall, the UK remains a competitive place in which to manufacture and the opportunities for their business in 2025 far outweigh the current risks. In response, the survey shows manufacturers are backing their belief in the UK as a place to manufacture with a significant emphasis on developing new products, entering new markets and upskilling and retraining staff. The survey also gives credence to the view of some Economists that companies will counter the impact of increased costs by investing in new technologies and automation to improve their efficiency. To back the investments companies are making Make UK is now urging Government to set out in detail as soon as possible the full proposals of a formal long term industrial strategy, something which is expected alongside the Government Spending Review in June. The survey is quite clear on the benefits such a strategy will bring, with more than half of companies saying they will increase investment in response to a long term industrial strategy. In addition, more than four in ten companies believe such a strategy will lead to increased productivity and a similar number say it will help them secure the skills they need for the future. The survey also shows that, despite the challenges companies are facing at home and abroad, almost half of companies believe the UK remains a competitive place to manufacture compared to a quarter who disagree. In addition, almost two thirds of companies believe the opportunities for their business in 2025 outweigh the risks compared to just over one in ten who disagree. However, despite these positive intentions, as many companies think the UK economy will deteriorate in 2025 as improve, while the challenges of increased costs are severe. Over nine in ten companies think their employment costs will increase, more than three quarters think the costs from other business taxes will increase and a similar number expect their logistics and transport costs to increase. In response, Make UK will be stepping up its efforts to ensure Government looks at measures to mitigate these increases by reducing business rates in particular, as well as measures and incentives to aid decarbonisation and energy efficiency. By MAKE UK chief executive, Stephen Phipson MAKE uk - the manufacturers’ organisation monthly news comment The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has launched a new apprenticeship pack, to guide employers, apprentices and their parents throughout the process. Included in the pack is a new best practice guide for employers, to support the recruitment, management, and development of apprentices in the compressed air and vacuum industry. The guide offers comprehensive advice on apprenticeship structures, recruitment strategies, mentoring, and legal obligations, helping businesses attract and nurture new talent. It highlights the importance of paid apprenticeships, structured induction processes, and safeguarding measures, ensuring apprentices receive the best possible start to their careers. In addition, a handy guide for apprentices explains the areas to consider when choosing an apprenticeship and what to expect during studies. Plus, there is a step-by-step overview for parents and guardians that are keen to support their child to get the best out of their new career. BCAS, alongside its members and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Education BCAS launches new compressed air industry apprentice pack (IfATE), was instrumental in the development of a dedicated compressed air and vacuum industry apprenticeship, an industry first. The industry-specific pathway has already helped the next generation of skilled professionals, providing standardisation of their skills, competence, behaviours and safe working. The standard ensures that upon successful completion, the apprentice achieves a national apprenticeship, academic qualifications and may apply for the professional recognition of EngTech with The Society of Operations Engineers. However, as Terry Collier, Learning and Development Officer at BCAS explains, many businesses, especially those new to recruiting apprentices are keen to receive extra support. He said: “Many of our BCAS members are smaller SMEs that do not have access to large HR departments to assist with recruitment and training. At the same time, these members have a highly skilled workforce made up of professional engineers that have a vast amount of knowledge and experience. There is a real desire to pass this expertise onto the next generation, especially to help address the continuing engineering skills gap. “Our new apprenticeship pack has been launched to help our members, and the wider compressed air engineering community achieve precisely this. A key focus is on workplace integration, with guidance on creating a structured work plan, assigning meaningful tasks, and providing effective mentorship. “In addition, our accompanying apprentice and parents’ guides provide practical, friendly advice during this key stage in a young person’s career.” The guide also outlines the recent government funding changes, including full funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and increased flexibility in Apprenticeship Levy transfers.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=