The announcement that the UK government will be watering down some of its net zero policies is a huge setback for manufacturers, who have put transition to net zero at the forefront of their business priorities (Report, September 21).
Manufacturers require stability and confidence in order to invest. Many companies will have spent time and money planning based on firm targets, and we now run the risk of falling behind our international counterparts as a home for green technologies if we persist in frequently altering policies that impact businesses directly. Among others, SME businesses in the automotive supply chain will be hit particularly hard.
This is a timely reminder that the UK needs a long-term industrial strategy. Such a strategy must survive short-term political cycles and instability through a mechanism such as a Royal Commission.
This announcement sends entirely the wrong signal and suggests if we aren’t looking forward, we are simply going backwards.
Stephen Phipson
CEO, Make UK
Suneeta Johal
CEO, Construction Equipment Association
Michaela Kendall
CEO, Adelan
Pim van Baarsen
CEO, Silverstone Technology Cluster
Geraldine Bolton
CEO, Confederation of British Metalforming
Tim Puttick
Chairman, North Devon Manufacturers Association
Philip Law
Director General, British Plastics Federation
Tom Bowtell
CEO, British Coatings Federation
Ayça Donaghy
CEO Lighting Industry Association
Tony Smith
Chairman, British Measurement and Testing Association
David Stockdale
CEO, British Healthcare Trades Association
Steve Brambley
CEO, GAMBICA
Charles Jarrold
CEO, British Printing Industries Federation
Steve Elliott
CEO, Chemical Industries Association
Carl Leaver
Chair, Make UK Modular