I believe that 2022 has been the most extraordinary year in recent business history. The economic statistics and reports continue to speak for themselves. Shocking numbers such as ‘double-digit consumer inflation’ and ‘three-fold increase to input cost’, have landed on top of a manufacturing sector understandably fatigued. As some aspects of the economy do now appear to be stabilising, it’s important to look back at the previous 12 months and remind ourselves what we can take with us, in hope and expectation for next year. Where can we see this year’s evidence for continued optimism in 2023?
Back in the spring, the board and I initiated a strategic review of the organisation, looking at how much we’d grown in active membership as a whole, and what might be driving that growth. We examined which sectors were growing and why were they deciding to apply to use the official, licensed mark. In the previous 24 months, we had almost doubled in size, meaning more SMEs and larger manufacturers were deciding to put their trust in a collective mark, to identify their goods and to highlight the quality and responsibilities of the business that makes them.
We concluded that an expansion of our board of non-executive directors would enhance the team’s thinking and bring in some new input and ideas from the wealth of extraordinary business talent across our membership. Our three new non-executives are already making a real difference in how we see and plan for the future of the organisation, and how the many and varied different target audiences perceive us.
None of us were prepared for the sudden passing of the Queen this year. We all secretly hope that exemplary people can just live on forever, knowing of course, they cannot. The executive team joined with the community of business members in expressing our deep sadness at the sudden passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, for 70 years, the exemplary and steadfast monarch, and the consummate ambassador for Great Britain and the Commonwealth. Many of the long-standing British manufacturing businesses among our member base hold Royal Warrants and all have memories, stories, photographs and video footage of Royal visits over the years. We look forward, with respectful admiration and anticipation to the Coronation next year of King Charles III on Saturday, 6th May 2023. Many of the vital items of regalia and uniform are made in this country, including some made by members of Made in Britain.
Russia’s shocking invasion of Ukraine this year has, at times, made it more challenging for an organisation like ours, constitutionally focused on all the positive news from our members’ businesses. Loss of life is incomparable with loss of business. Everyone that contributes to our news and features web pages will remain highly sensitive to that in 2023, in the hope and expectation the war will come to a peaceful end sooner rather than later. If there is anything the manufacturing sector can do to help with the long-term reconstruction and regeneration in the region affected, I am sure our members will rally round as they always do.
I’ve been delighted and honoured throughout all of this year, to be asked to speak at several manufacturing events and attend many other business leadership gatherings. Trying to discern what the future of the economy should look like and how we, the manufacturing sector, can contribute to shaping it, is a duty and pleasure. Getting back together in person this year has been both energising and rewarding. Next year we plan to visit as many of our members’ factories as we can, as well as join in with the manufacturing and trade events where we’re invited to speak.
Though we have always celebrated British manufacturing every day since our formation, we had never offered our members an official award to enter that could celebrate all of our 50 product sectors together. In its inaugural year, the Made in Britain Impact Awards wanted to emphasise the sustainability actions and achievements of our members. The last eight years of Made in Britain’s existence have also been the hottest eight years ever. One of many solid reasons to focus in on Net-zero, climate change and circularity. The entries that came in were remarkable, making the task of shortlisting very challenging for our independent judges, chaired by Prof. Chris Harrop OBE, our chairman. Next year, we expect at least twice as many entrants or more.
As Made in Britain approaches the end of its ten-year celebrations, there is a lot of compelling evidence that the next decade will be equally successful for the growth of British manufacturing and that the much-loved collective mark has played an important part. Our marketing and teams will never take for granted the trust our membership have put in us and will continue to serve this extraordinary community of small, medium and large manufacturing businesses with pride and passion, ready to take on some of the greatest business challenges we have ever faced, together.
Manufacturers at Made in Britain really do make things better for everyone.
By Made in Britain 1 year ago | By Made in Britain