Build up manufacturing to boost Britain's economic security, say voters

Britain's electorate believes that boosting the country’s manufacturing base should be a central policy of all parties’ election manifestos, research has found.

Almost nine out of 10 voters think that the next Government should make a priority of promoting a stronger industrial base, according to a study by manufacturers’ association EEF. The research also found that more than six out of 10 believe that with a stronger industrial sector, Britain will have better economic security.

The findings back up George Osborne’s Budget speech three years ago, when the Chancellor called for a “march of the makers” who would boost sales abroad and help rebalance the UK economy to lessen its dependence on the services sector. He also set the target of doubling exports from the current level to £1 trillion a year by 2020.

Services, which includes banking, retail and telecoms, makes up 77.8pc of the British economy, compared with just 15.2pc represented by production, which covers manufacturing and industries such as mining. Construction comprises 6.3pc and agriculture 0.7pc.

Terry Scuoler, EEF chief executive, said: “The message to parties and political leaders is loud and clear: a strong, rebalanced economy has to be the long-term end goal and at the heart of your election offering.

“Industry and voters are singing from the same hymn sheet. We want a robust, stable and resilient economy with a clear focus on balanced growth and this is a message party leaders must not fail to take into the election and beyond.

He added: “A stronger manufacturing base is a vital component – and while it is not a 'cure all’ for every economic ill, British industry does have a fundamental role to play in building a better-balanced and more robust economy. Government can and should focus policies on delivering this aim.”

EEF commissioned a YouGov poll of 2,070 adults which asked which sector they would most like to see grow in the next few years. Manufacturing topped the poll at 48pc, followed services and construction tied at 15pc, then agriculture at 6pc.

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