Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, will deliver a state of the nation address on the outlook for UK manufacturing in 2026. Drawing on the latest industry evidence, including Make UK’s Executive Survey, this session will assess business confidence, investment intentions and export performance across the sector.
The speech will examine the role of manufacturing in driving growth, productivity and regional economic strength, and the impact of the UK’s Industrial Strategy as it moves into delivery. It will highlight the main factors shaping competitiveness, including skills shortages, industrial energy costs and access to finance for SMEs and mid-sized manufacturers.
The session will also explore the opportunities created by digitalisation, AI and green technologies, and how manufacturers are investing to improve resilience and performance. It will set out what is needed to support long-term industrial growth across the UK.
