Westminster reception showcases South West’s manufacturing strength and central role in delivering Industrial Strategy

The Great South West Partnership convened UK parliamentarians, leading civil servants and South West Manufacturers in Westminster on 15 January to spotlight the South West’s critical role in delivering the UK’s Industrial Strategy, as one of the nation’s most advanced manufacturing regions.

Hosted in partnership with the South West Manufacturers Network, the event showcased the scale and national importance of the region’s manufacturing economy. With the UK’s second-highest concentration of manufacturing and globally competitive clusters spanning aerospace, defence, photonics, marine autonomy, space, clean energy systems and agritech, the South West is one of the country’s most productive industrial regions.

Lee Crocker, Chair of Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group, Member of the South West Manufacturers’ Network and MD and Chair of the Board, Kawasaki PM, commented:

“The Westminster reception has amplified the recognition that the South West has a world-class strength of capability in advanced manufacturing which is vital to the delivery of the UK’s Industrial Strategy. As a united group of regional manufacturing clusters, it was important for the South West Manufacturers’ Network to collaborate with the Great South West to speak with one powerful voice and shine a light on our industry at this event. It is the collective determination from all those present that will drive investment, fortify supply chains, and develop the skilled workforce needed for the very near future and beyond. Together we can unlock the South West region’s full potential and, in turn, significantly help to strengthen the UK’s global position and national security in all its forms.”

Manufacturing is central to the region’s economic strength, employing around 120,000 people and contributing £7.4 billion in GVA. The sector also invests £780 million each year in research and development, underlining the South West’s role as a driver of innovation and high-value engineering. These capabilities directly support UK priorities in economic security, clean growth, and the resilience of critical national supply chains.

The reception built on the momentum of the Great South West Manufacturing Investment Plan, launched in June 2025. The Plan sets out a bold programme to accelerate innovation, strengthen skills, attract international investment and expand the region’s contribution to national productivity and resilience.

Delivered with support from event partners Yeovil College, UCS College Group, Make UK, and Oxford Innovation, the event brought together manufacturers, investors, universities, research centres and civic leaders to discuss the next phase of delivery.

Mark Bolton, CEO & Principal, Yeovil College, said: “The South West has long been a place where innovation and practical skill go hand in hand, and its engineering manufacturing sector, and more lately our approach to the defence strategy, is a shining example of that strength. Through our work with local employers, we see a region that is forward-thinking, resilient, and deeply committed to developing talent. The collaboration between education, industry, and community is what truly sets the South West apart, and it’s a privilege for us to contribute to a sector that plays such a vital role in the region’s economic growth and future opportunities.”

Andy Berry CBE, CEO at UCS College Group, said: "The South West's advanced manufacturing capabilities are exceptional. Deeply embedded in the blue and

green economy, our region's expertise is incredibly diverse, ranging from strong foundations in defence and marine engineering to a thriving food and drink manufacturing sector, pioneering clean energy solutions at Hinkley Point C, and the groundbreaking Agratas Gigafactory. This rich landscape clearly demonstrates an unparalleled capacity for innovation and advanced production. We're not just supporting the advanced manufacturing sector; we're actively shaping the future of UK industry."

Kerri-Anne Mruk, Regional Director of Make UK, said: “This reception has been a timely showcase of the South West’s vital manufacturing strengths, from marine and renewables to aerospace, and a key opportunity to promote the region’s Investment Plan. As the government advances its Industrial Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, strong collaboration between industry, education, and policymakers is more crucial than ever. Make UK is proud to have sponsored this event and reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the South West manufacturing network, ensuring the region continues to grow its high-skill, high-value economy.”

Jane Galsworthy - Managing Director, Oxford Innovation Advice said:

"The South West is a significant manufacturing region, and Oxford Innovation Advice is delighted to be supporting this important initiative. As the UK’s leading specialist provider of business support to manufacturing SME’s we are proud to deliver proven, high-impact support to companies across the region. Independent evaluations of our work confirm that high quality, publicly funded, advisory services deliver measurable long-lasting benefits - playing a crucial role in accelerating growth, competitiveness, and prosperity across the region.”

The event reinforced the Great South West’s unified voice and its readiness to deliver the UK’s Industrial Strategy - powering national growth, security and advanced manufacturing leadership for decades to come.

Download the Manufacturing Investment Plan: https://greatsouthwest.co.uk/manufacturing/