EEF sets out key priorities for next government22 September 2014

Britain's manufacturers have set out their priorities for the next government to drive better balanced growth, boost trade and investment and, deliver long term economic security. The priorities are set out by EEF, the manufacturers' organisation in a manifesto, 'An Agenda for Government to 2020'.

EEF has urged the government to build on current policy by focusing on five areas – skills, innovation, infrastructure, energy and staying in the EU.

The programme to rebalance Britain's economy follows a YouGov poll where more than eight in 10 voters called on any new Government to promote a stronger manufacturing base believing it will deliver more jobs, economic growth and prosperity.

The manifesto lays down a challenge to all three parties to set out a clear vision for the UK economy over the next Parliament to provide certainty for business and, help boost investment.

EEF chief executive, Terry Scuoler, said: "After such a traumatic period following the financial crash of 2008 we are now at a crucial stage for our economy, with confidence on the rise and a long-overdue recovery in UK business investment. This is delivering stronger growth, boosting job creation and enabling more companies to develop overseas markets.

"Let us not pretend, however, that we are seeing the better balanced growth we need for the long term, which still remains a long way off. Business has a crucial role to play, but government must also be a collaborative partner.

"All parties must now set out a clear vision for the UK economy, including how they will support rebalancing, strengthening the role of industry and manufacturing over the next Parliament. Party leaders also need to set out how they will attack the obstacles that companies of all sizes face in becoming world class."

The EEF has called for action on:

• Skills – Introduce 'career aspiration' in primary schools, maintain a robust apprenticeship training system, drive up teaching standards, make the UK's immigration system less costly and less complicated for businesses.

• Innovation – Include funding for innovation within an expanded science and innovation ring-fence, commit to sufficient funding for the catapult, increase funding for export initiatives and overseas in-country support.

• Infrastructure – Commit to the creation of a UK infrastructure authority, implement the recommendations of the Airports Commission.

• Energy and resource security – Review of the Carbon Price Floor and remove the tax when practical, produce an energy intensive industry decarbonisation strategy, establish an office of resource management.

• Remain in the EU.

Ian Vallely

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