The Government responded to the concerns of manufacturing sector by unveiling a strategy of bringing together £150m support for the companies. Ministers stated their intentions in helping manufacturers to tide over the demanding situation while citing good reasons for a better future.

The Government maintained that flexibility and openness which are the hallmarks of Britain’s markets, would allow the businesses to face current challenges successfully.  Business Secretary John Hutton emphasised the importance of manufacturing to the success of the UK economy and insisted that its foundations had to be right for enduring the current economic slowdown to emerge fitter and stronger than ever. He wanted the UK to make best use of opportunities thrown up by the move for low carbon economy. He expressed confidence in the UK becoming world leaders in green technologies, which could result in creation of thousands of green collar jobs.

He acknowledged that industry’s success did not get public recognition for many years and it was time to redress the balance. He emphasised importance of attracting, nurturing and developing young talented people into the industry.

The Government has proposed a new drive to assist nuclear and renewable industries for future expansion which would create 260,000 new jobs in the next 10 years.  Government also announced an extra 1,500 manufacturing apprenticeships and setting up of manufacturing technology centre in Coventry for £130m investment in research in the next decade. A new manufacturing body would also be constituted to attract youngsters into a career in industry.