100-year-old manufacturing organisation relaunches as MAKE UK

As the uncertainty around the future of car making in Britain continues, following the shock announcement of Honda’s intention to close its Swindon car plant, EEF, The national manufacturers’ organisation founded in 1896, has revealed a new name and identity.

It’s new name is Make UK.

In a statement yesterday the organisation said: “Our country and this industrial sector face an unparalleled set of challenges and opportunities in the years ahead: Brexit, digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and the emergence of new markets.

“As British manufacturing transforms, modernises and adapts to this new environment it was time for us to also adopt a modern name designed to reflect the world class innovation undertaken by our member companies across the whole of the country. Our sector is changing, so are we.

“Britain makes amazing things, in vast quantities and of the very best quality. UK manufacturing is back on the global map, due to the brilliance of our companies which have made such a success of supply chains and the modern marvel of just-in-time logistics. And, after talking extensively over many months to our members, we know that Make UK reflects this new modern manufacturing world.

“We are delighted to be announcing this change as hundreds of companies will join us in London to celebrate the dynamism and ingenuity that has helped propel Britain back into the global top ten manufacturing nations.”

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, said: “We are immensely proud of the heritage that EEF has built up over the century plus, during which time it has fought for the rights and futures of British manufacturers around the whole of the UK, and now working with our sister organisation across the EU. Building on the old local federations, EEF has grown to a point where it represents 20,000 manufacturers around the country.

“But with the massive inroads of modern technology currently being injected into our sector, we felt that our name should be clear and say what we do.

“To ensure our members’ voices are best heard, we have introduced an exciting new way to get to issues which matter to our companies through the creation of Make UK’s new National Membership Board which will inform our future direction by considering the organisation’s policy priorities, member services and of course specialist support around key national problems such as skills and Brexit.”

The chancellor of the exchequer, Philip Hammond, said: “The decision of Honda is, of course, a blow. But despite the shock of this announcement, we must not lose sight of the fact that Britain remains a dynamic and open economy.

“Our challenge is to maintain that performance, at a time of transformative change in our economy, with the technology revolution changing Britain’s economy, society and, indeed, politics in ways that we can barely predict.”

The Prime Minister,Theresa May, said:“The UK has a proud manufacturing heritage, and the industry remains one of our biggest employers – driving productivity across the country.

“I look forward to working with Make UK to build the best business conditions for British manufacturers to allow them to continue to thrive in the future.”

About Make UK 

Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, is the representative voice of UK manufacturing, with offices in London, Brussels, every English region and Wales.

 

Collectively it represents 20,000 companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multinationals, across engineering, manufacturing, technology and the wider industrial sector. It directly represents over 5,000 businesses who are members of Make UK. Everything it does – from providing essential business support and training to championing manufacturing industry in the UK and the EU – is designed to help British manufacturers compete, innovate and grow.