Manufacturers call for government support

By Tim Aldred

23 Sep 2020

Lancashire's advanced manufacturers are seeking additional targeted support once the government's furlough scheme comes to an end next month.

The industry has been particularly badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, especially those connected with the aerospace sector which has resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs so far.

The calls for support are being led by Annette Weekes, managing director of Nelson-based PDS Engineering. Working with partners including Dr Sherry Kothari of the University of Lancaster's Health Tech Hub, she has formed the COVID-19 Manufacturing Cluster for Lancashire and South Cumbria. The collective has already amassed more than 80 members. 

Annette said: "On behalf of the manufacturers that make up the COVID19 Manufacturing Cluster, my own businesses, and those across Lancashire and the UK, I am calling for targeted support for SMEs to protect advanced manufacturing jobs which are the backbone of our region.

"Aerospace and automotive sectors are particularly badly affected and with the end of furlough looming and increased lockdown restrictions. We need our MPs and local and central government to work to protect business and jobs and avoid the catastrophic impact that widespread redundancies could have locally and the loss of capacity and capability to the UK."

Jon Hoyle, managing director of Pendle-based Bright Engineering, backed the message. He said: "Demand in many technology sectors is currently affected by the virus and small and medium sized companies need continued government support to navigate their way through the crisis.

"We need to avoid SMEs feeling that their only option is to make wholesale cuts to staffing levels. This would be disastrous for the economy, the area, jobs and skills in the longer-term."

Graham Ellis, head of manufacturing at BDO in the North West, said that the looming prospect of a no-deal Brexit leaves the position of manufacturers all the more precarious. He said: "With a no-deal exit from the EU - and associated logistics, customs and cost implications - looking increasingly likely, British manufacturers will need to step up a gear in order to compete internationally, and this will require significant investment in productivity and digitalisation improvements.

"The government must be alive to this risk and provide the support required to help UK manufacturers through this transition period and beyond. Other countries - perhaps in particular Germany - do provide good examples of consistent long term support to their manufacturing sectors. The UK should look to adopt a similar approach."

The call for extra support closely follows that by Frank McKenna, who earlier outlined the need for further furlough support for the hospitality sector in particular.

  • For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred

Latest news

1

Rise of the multi-skilled workforce as employers ‘reimagine’ jobs to fill skills gaps A VR headset helps construction learners explore CAD plans

Rise of the multi-skilled workforce as employers ‘reimagine’ jobs to fill skills gaps

09 Jul 2025

2

Walker Fire accelerates growth with two strategic acquisitions and launch of new digital platform Walker Fire

Walker Fire accelerates growth with two strategic acquisitions and launch of new digital platform

08 Jul 2025

3

10th year of growth for Begbies Traynor Ric Traynor of Begbies Traynor

10th year of growth for Begbies Traynor

08 Jul 2025

4

Iconic Lancaster Inn gets £600K makeover New bar at Toll House Inn at Lancaster

Iconic Lancaster Inn gets £600K makeover

08 Jul 2025

5

FWP completes life-changing youth support project Boat House Youth Centre

FWP completes life-changing youth support project

08 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley College University Courses Building, Burnley, BB12 0AN

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase
unnamed (2).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Jul 2025 - 09 Jul 2025

Tri-Site Survey Equipment Showcase

Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley, BB12 0RT

09:30 - 16:00

Blackburn Cathedral hosts Champagne and Diamonds Event with Ainsworth Jewellers
Champagne-Jewellery 10 07 25_page-0001.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
10 Jul 2025 - 10 Jul 2025

Blackburn Cathedral hosts Champagne and Diamonds Event with Ainsworth Jewellers

Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn, BB1 5AA

18:00 - 20:30

Choose Chorley for Business - Talent Reimagined Business Breakfast
talentreimaginedbb.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Jul 2025 - 10 Jul 2025

Choose Chorley for Business - Talent Reimagined Business Breakfast

Strawberry Fields Digital Hub, Chorley, PR71PS

08:00 - 10:30

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past
1750160034867.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Jul 2025 - 16 Jul 2025

Shaping Preston's future by remembering its past

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:30

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin