E3 Recruitment Backs Made in Group’s "We’re Backing Britain" Pledge: Why Supporting UK Manufacturing is Critical for Our Future
E3 Recruitment is proud to have signed the "We’re Backing Britain" pledge by Made in Group, as part of our ongoing commitment to the resurgence of UK manufacturing. As a recruitment partner that works hand in hand with the manufacturing sector, we understand the vital importance of this industry not only for the country’s economic prosperity but also for securing its future resilience and global competitiveness.
Why Supporting UK Manufacturing Matters to E3 Recruitment
At E3 Recruitment, we specialise in providing top talent to the UK manufacturing sector, and we’ve seen firsthand the incredible contribution it makes to the economy, local communities, and the lives of countless individuals. The UK is currently the world’s 12th largest manufacturing economy, with the sector accounting for £217 billion of output and employing 2.6 million people. This underscores its critical role in the economy and aligns with our belief that with the right support, the sector has the potential to reach new heights, further strengthening the UK’s position on the global stage.
“From our perspective, backing Britain’s manufacturing industry isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about sustaining jobs, driving innovation, and building a secure future for future generations. We work with manufacturers who lead the way in technological advancement and are committed to high standards of quality and innovation. But they cannot achieve this alone. They need policies that encourage investment in domestic capacity, support research and development, and promote skills development to close the skills gap in the workforce.” – James Soden, Director and Business Partner of E3 Recruitment.
What Does the "We’re Backing Britain" Pledge Call For?
By signing this pledge, we are calling on the Government to take three key actions to prioritise and protect UK manufacturing:
1. Strengthening Britain’s Manufacturing Capacity
UK manufacturers need a clear, long-term commitment from the Government to invest in and strengthen the country’s industrial base. This includes bolstering supply chains, supporting innovation, and providing the infrastructure needed to maintain a competitive edge. At E3 Recruitment, we know that when manufacturing thrives, it creates well-paying, skilled jobs and bolsters local economies. Manufacturing jobs in the UK offer a mean annual gross pay of £38,769, which is higher than the average across all industries (£35,404). This is why safeguarding manufacturing is crucial not just for individual businesses, but for the entire nation.
2. Appointing a Minister for Manufacturing
Manufacturing has long been the backbone of the UK’s economy, yet it often lacks the dedicated attention it deserves at the governmental level. By appointing a Minister for Manufacturing, we believe the sector would have a dedicated voice to advocate for its interests and ensure that policies are created with its specific needs in mind. As a recruitment partner deeply embedded in the sector, we believe this role would be critical to ensuring the long-term health of the industry.
3. Protecting UK Ownership in the Manufacturing Sector
While foreign investment has its benefits, there is a growing concern over the increasing acquisition of British businesses by foreign companies. At E3 Recruitment, we’ve seen how local ownership of manufacturing firms can drive regional development, support supply chain resilience, and promote innovation. We believe that ensuring a balance between foreign investment and domestic ownership is key to maintaining a strong UK manufacturing sector. This approach would not only help mitigate national security risks but also promote the social benefits that UK-headquartered companies bring to their local communities.
Why Now is the Time to Act
As we approach the 6th of December when Made in Group’s letter will be delivered to MPs, we urge other companies, especially those within manufacturing, to add their voice. The manufacturing sector is the backbone of our economy, contributing billions to the UK’s GDP and accounting for 45% of the UK’s total exports. It employs millions and leads the way in technological innovations that impact every corner of society.
E3 Recruitment has always championed the importance of skills development, innovation, and regional economic growth. We see how manufacturers are doing their part by investing in apprenticeships, upskilling the workforce, and promoting diversity within the industry. However, to truly ensure a robust and prosperous future, the Government must do more to support and safeguard UK manufacturing.
By signing the "We’re Backing Britain" pledge, we are reinforcing our belief that a thriving manufacturing sector not only helps to address national debt and strengthen the economy but also enhances national security and resilience in uncertain times. We believe that the future of UK manufacturing is bright, but it requires clear, sustained support from the Government to reach its full potential.
E3 Recruitment’s Commitment to the Future of UK Manufacturing
At E3 Recruitment, we don’t just work with manufacturers—we are their advocates, and we are passionate about their success. As proud partners of organisations like Made in Group, West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services, and Make UK, we know that collaboration between the private sector and government is key to making positive, lasting change.
We call on our clients, peers, and everyone within the manufacturing sector to join us in supporting the "We’re Backing Britain" pledge. Together, we can ensure that the UK continues to be a global leader in manufacturing, driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping a secure, prosperous future for generations to come.