Industrial Strategy Inquiry Evidence Session 3 – Business Support for Manufacturing SMEs

Following the release of the government’s Industrial Strategy in June, the Manufacturing Commission is undertaking a new inquiry to scrutinise the Strategy and make recommendations to help the government deliver on its aims. A scoping session, held in May 2025, identified the vital role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in the UK’s manufacturing sector.

The Commission’s third and final evidence session will aim to collect evidence on the support required by SME manufacturers, such as access to business advice, procurement and regulatory reform, tax incentives, etc.

The session will feature speaking contributions from:

• Rob Allen, Policy Connect
• Jo Platt MP
• Antonia Bance MP
• Dr Jamie Thums MBE & Andrea Wilson
• Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea, CBE, DL

The Manufacturing Commission will host its evidence session online – for more information, please contact Rob Allen (robert.allen@policyconnect.org.uk).