The Manufacturing Commission is the research arm of the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group and is chaired by Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea, CBE, DL.

The Manufacturing Commission is embarking on a new inquiry to scrutinise and support the Government’s Industrial Strategy. Scoping sessions, held in May and July, identified the vital role that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play in the UK’s manufacturing sector. However, the business environment for manufacturing SMEs has become particularly challenging in recent years, due to Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a sharp rise in energy prices, among other factors.

The Manufacturing Commission has launched a call for evidence to help inform this work and develop policy recommendations for government. In particular, the Commission is seeking evidence on how the following topics affect SME manufacturing businesses:

• Sovereign capability
• Energy costs and infrastructure
• Access to finance
• The regulatory environment

To contribute, please download and complete the Call for Evidence Word document (found under the header "related documents" to the right) and email it to robert.allen [at] policyconnect.org.uk by 23:59 on Monday, 6th October 2025.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with lead researcher, Rob Allen Robert.Allen [at] policyconnect.org.uk