It is important to ditch urban myths and misconceptions about British manufacturing after recent research showed that three quarters (74%) mistakenly believe that the UK used to manufacture more goods 30 years ago in the 80s than it does today.

According to the research from the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, most people in the UK are in the dark when it comes to understanding the importance of UK manufacturing, although most remain supportive of it.

Manufacturing is driving the economic recovery, employing 2.6 million people and accounting for 11% of GDP. The sector is on track for 3.6% growth this year. But despite this, little over a third of consumers (36%) believe that the UK’s manufacturing industry is growing.

UK manufacturers will however be pleased to know that they still have consumers’ backing – over three quarters would be proud to work for a manufacturing company in the UK. More importantly given the ongoing drive to encourage more women into the sector, women would be equally as proud as men to work for a British manufacturer.

There is also widespread recognition of the vital role manufacturing plays in the broader economy. An overwhelming 91% of those surveyed agree that manufacturing is essential for the UK economy to grow, although this rises to 97% amongst the over 55s. Those aged 25 to 34 are the least convinced, although even here 80% believe manufacturing is essential for growth.

Terry Scuoler, Chief Executive of EEF, says: “…it is time to ditch the urban myth that Britain manufactured more in the 80s than it does today.  The reality is that British manufacturing is a huge success story and is going from strength-to-strength, employing 2.6 million people and accounting for 11% of GDP. ‘Make it Britain’ is vibrant, vital and producing more today than it did 30 years ago.”

Go to full story from EEF

999 Automation is a single on-line resource supporting UK manufacturing for automation and industrial control product requirements.  Based in the UK, in Leicester and backed by one of the largest UK industrial distributor groups.