Blackburn ranked fourth best place in UK to work in manufacturing

New research has found that Blackburn is the fourth best place to work in the manufacturing industry across England.

Manufacturing firm Isembard has published the findings of its Engines of Growth Index, which ranks towns and cities in England using ONS data on density of manufacturing businesses, growth in those businesses over five years, manufacturing and engineering apprenticeships, manufacturing wages and the availability of related jobs.

The analysis revealed Blackburn was the fourth best place to be if you want to work in manufacturing, just behind Havant, Redditch and Kirklees.

Isembard's research found Blackburn had 28 manufacturing businesses for every 10,000 residents and a 2.25 per cent increase in the number of businesses in the area over the past five years. In addition, manufacturing wages in the north west run at 112.1 per cent of average earnings — the highest premium of any English region.

The wider north west is the second strongest performing region in the index by earnings premium and places five authorities in the top 50 nationally.

Melissa Conlon, commercial director for the Samlesbury based Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre North West (AMRC NW), said: "Blackburn’s position in the top five manufacturing locations is further proof that East Lancashire is one of England’s true advanced manufacturing strongholds.

"The data confirms what we at the AMRC NW see every day when working with local manufacturers - a region with exceptional technical capability, deep industrial heritage and a workforce whose skills command a premium.

"With manufacturing wages at 112 per cent of the local average, this is a place where talent is genuinely valued. As the country moves towards a new era of reindustrialisation, Blackburn and the wider north west are perfectly positioned to lead.

"Our job at the AMRC NW now is to accelerate that momentum through innovation, skills, and world class supply chain support.”

And Simon Brierley, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This confirms what those of us in East Lancashire already know. Our region was built on manufacturing and remains one of the UK's great industrial success stories.

"Manufacturing is woven into the fabric of our towns and communities. From our textile and engineering heritage, we have evolved into a globally significant centre for aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing, energy, food production and high value engineering.

"Today, East Lancashire businesses are designing, making and exporting products that are critical to the UK's defence, nuclear, aerospace and wider industrial sectors. They are creating skilled, well paid careers and driving investment, innovation and growth across our economy.

"Blackburn's position as one of the top five places in England to work in manufacturing is recognition of the outstanding businesses, talented workforce and strong skills pipeline that exist across our region."