Speaking following the appointment of Sajid Javid as Business Secretary MTA Chief Executive James Selka said: “We would like to welcome Mr Javid to his pivotal role. Business needs to be at the heart of our national life and we are sure that he will be a strong voice for business in Government and beyond.
The UK’s advanced manufacturing sector is growing in part because of the policies adopted over the last five years. We have seen a lot of progress and now we need continuity. The provision of a stable financial environment – including crucially in relation to Capital Allowances and R&D Tax support – is essential. There are some great innovations, like the Catapult Centres and the Industrial Strategies, where deep foundations have been laid, can be built on further to really give us room to grow.
That is not to say that there are not challenges; with productivity still lagging behind where it needs to be and the UK’s export performance still a matter of huge concern. The issue of Europe needs to be addressed too. Now that we know that there will be a referendum it is essential that the UK drives as good a deal as possible without imperilling access to the Single Market – advanced manufacturing businesses need that certainty or investment will be hit.
There will be much in the Secretary of State’s inbox but we believe there is a fantastic opportunity to seize an advantage in the technologies of tomorrow and we look forward to working with him to do so.
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