Lancashire accountants demand action on manufacturing

Lancashire accountancy firm Moore and Smalley has backed a new report calling on the government to beef up its commitment to the region’s manufacturing sector.

Representatives from Moore and Smalley were influential in putting together a set of recommendations which have been delivered to business secretary Vince Cable and make a strong appeal for government to do more to advance the industry.

The report was put together by the MHA Manufacturing Group, a national group of independent accountants and advisors of which Moore and Smalley is one of nine members, following its SME Manufacturing Roundtable held in London in December.

The recommendations from the meeting focus on four key areas:

• Government strategy
• Education and Skills
• Funding and Grants
• Taxation

To back up the roundtable findings, Moore and Smalley has now launched its annual Manufacturing and Engineering Survey 2013, which aims to shed more light on the shifting influences of the economy, export markets and government support for the industry.

Ginni Cooper, head of Moore and Smalley’s manufacturing team, said: “While the industry remains buoyant about its future, there is a strong need for more support and guidance from government to ensure growth for this vital sector.

“The current challenges for UK manufacturing are profound and the sector as a whole requires brand development and long term investment to ensure it is seen as an attractive career option, as well as an important part of the UK’s economic and social future.”

The MHA roundtable, attended by the directors of 14 different UK manufacturing firms, focused on formulating practical and achievable recommendations aimed at helping UK SMEs to compete more effectively in the global economy.

Ginni Cooper added: “If the SME manufacturing and engineering sector, so vital to the UK economic recovery, is to experience accelerated growth it will need an aggressive mix of government support, simpler tax legislation, central resources and streamlined processes and – without a doubt – a keen focus on raising the appeal of the sector, as well as enhancement to the way we deliver education and training.”

Moore and Smalley’s Manufacturing and Engineering Survey 2013 is open to manufacturing and engineering companies across the North West. The survey results will be combined with those from eight other UK regions to produce a further report and recommendations which will be presented to government.

The survey can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/9H6J7CQ