"UK Manufacturing is Crucial for Economic Growth": Excel Water's MD Joins Backing Britain Pledge

Backing Britain is back. Made in Group is urging the UK government to debate and act upon: addressing concerns related to safeguarding manufacturing capacity, addressing concerns related to ownership of British businesses and appointing a Minister for manufacturing.

After the recent general election, the Backing Britain Campaign aims to present both the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector to the new government. By amplifying the voices of the business leaders most affected, the campaign seeks to educate top-level officials about the changes that SMEs in manufacturing want to see.

Excel Water is Backing Britain: A Commitment to Innovation and Local Support

Excel Water, a leading specialist in water treatment systems, has joined the Backing Britain 2024 campaign, aligning with its mission to support and strengthen the UK manufacturing sector. In a recent interview with Sam Sleight of Made in Yorkshire, Emma Armitage, Managing Director at Excel Water, shared insights into the company's commitment to innovation, local sourcing, and the challenges facing the industry, particularly in digital technology adoption and funding accessibility.

An Integral Cog in Multiple Industry’s Supply Chains

Excel Water's customer base spans a diverse array of sectors, including chemical manufacturing, automotive, personal care, and food industries. Emma highlighted the company's integral role in these sectors, emphasising how their water treatment solutions are crucial for maintaining quality and efficiency. For example, in the automotive industry, Excel Water ensures that water used in the manufacturing process is particle-free, which is essential for achieving a smooth finish on high-end car parts.

Customer-Driven Innovation

A significant aspect of Excel Water's business model is its customer-centric approach to innovation. During her conversation with Sam, Emma explained that the company's research and development efforts are largely driven by customer needs, making the majority of their systems completely bespoke. "There’s no point in designing new products that customers don’t want," she noted. This approach not only ensures that Excel Water stays relevant but also helps them address specific challenges their clients face.

Reshoring and Sustainability

In discussing the logistical challenges faced by Excel Water, Emma highlighted the complexities involved in sourcing parts from overseas and travelling to customers within the UK. She noted that "Britain's roads are getting very clogged," which can significantly delay travel times across the country. In addition to domestic logistical challenges, historically, the company has faced extended lead times for acquiring parts due to global disruptions such as the Ukraine war and the Suez crisis. Reflecting on this, Emma stressed the importance of sourcing locally where possible, stating, "We're trying to buy as much as we can from the UK... We're supporting the local economy by doing that." This approach not only mitigates some of these unforeseen logistical challenges but also fosters economic resilience by strengthening local supply networks. This in turn aligns with the company's sustainability goals, reducing carbon footprints associated with long-distance shipping.

The Call for Enhanced Government Support

During the interview, in addition to raising awareness of logistical frustrations, Emma highlighted several key areas where she believes government support could significantly impact the manufacturing sector. One of the primary concerns she raised was the need for more accessible funding options, particularly for SMEs looking to adopt new technologies. "The process of securing funding can be incredibly complex and time-consuming," she remarked, stressing the importance of streamlining these processes to encourage innovation and growth. Emma explained how this is compounded by the unnecessarily high corporation taxes on SMEs - calling for relief to ensure the government doesn’t “hinder reinvestment and growth in the manufacturing sector”. 

Emma also emphasised the critical role of digital technology in modern manufacturing. She called for increased government initiatives to support digital transformation, including grants and training programs that help companies integrate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics. "Digital transformation is not just a buzzword; it's essential for staying competitive in today's market," she stated.

The final point that Emma made was one shared by a good number of specialist SMEs in Manufacturing; she called for more consultations with manufacturers to tailor apprenticeships and training to specific industry needs. She noted the lack of specialised courses for certain fields, like water treatment, compared to more targeted programs like those for wind turbine maintenance.

Minister for Manufacturing - "The right person to effectively guide and support the sector"

For Emma, these challenges highlight the significance of the Backing Britain campaign. "UK Manufacturing is crucial for economic growth as it creates jobs and supports other industries", stated Emma. She suggested that a more dedicated department or minister for manufacturing could better address industry needs. When asked about this, the Excel Water MD advocated for a minister who has "successfully ran a manufacturing business". Emma continued, "they have to have hands on experience, rather than just theoretical knowledge", concluding "that's the right person to effectively guide and support the sector."

Digital Innovation and Skills Development

Excel Water is not just advocating for change but also leading by example. The company is actively exploring digital innovations to enhance its operations. Emma shared that Excel Water is looking into integrating AI technologies to streamline processes and improve customer service. Additionally, the company is involved in the Good Growth Program and the Made Smarter initiative, both of which aim to upskill employees and incorporate cutting-edge technologies into their workflows.

A notable initiative in the pipeline at Excel Water is the development of an extranet system for internal knowledge sharing. This system is designed to capture and disseminate the extensive industry knowledge possessed by senior employees, ensuring that expertise is retained and shared across the company. This effort addresses a common challenge in the industry—maintaining a skilled workforce as experienced members of the team retire.

Conclusion

Excel Water's involvement in the Backing Britain 2024 campaign underscores the company's commitment to supporting the local economy and fostering innovation within the UK manufacturing sector. Emma Armitage's leadership highlights the critical role of government support in enabling companies to navigate the challenges of digital transformation and access essential funding. As Excel Water continues to innovate and invest in its people, it sets a strong example for other manufacturers, demonstrating the power of local collaboration and forward-thinking strategies in building a resilient future for UK manufacturing.

Made in Group is a trade organisation that helps elevate manufacturing businesses' online presence whilst giving them a platform to connect and share ideas. Dedicated to uniting British industry, the UK collective relies on its members to help them amplify their voice for manufacturing and showcase the critical role of industry leaders in shaping the nation's future.

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