Confidence in manufacturing, along with the positive stories we have seen as we move through 2026, deserves applause.

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This could be a pivotal year for our sector, but our messaging must come with a healthy dose of reality.

I admire the work of Mark Weymouth, Andrea Wilson, Christopher Greenough and Stuart Whitehead, who consistently champion manufacturing through positive, practical support and weekly LinkedIn posts. That level of dedication should not be underestimated.

Manufacturing is a cornerstone of GDP. We should promote the wins loudly and proudly, even when it feels like we are successfully operating, despite the Westminster bubble, not because of it. It is equally right that we call out government, past and present, when required.

There are others higher up the ‘food chain’ who work tirelessly on our behalf. Many would like to speak more openly but cannot, understandably, because they are closer to government and must toe a more diplomatic line.

The axis of incompetence?

We’re over eighteen months into a new government, elected on a mandate for growth, and the picture isn’t looking good, and that’s without the 15 U-turns that are fast becoming a consistent occurrence.

There have been some shining lights. Minister for Industry Chris McDonald MP has been very supportive on several occasions and still is, whilst Labour MP Sarah Coombes continues to go above and beyond in supporting manufacturing in the Black Country and beyond.

Despite a positive meeting in December, the jury is still out on Secretary of State Peter Kyle. The recently launched Steel Strategy came with a direct promise to reflect the requirements of the entire sector, not just to pander to the needs of TATA.

Sadly, the reduction in quotas, coupled with an........

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