John Pearce meets with Minister for Trade, Sarah Jones

On 22 October 2024, Made in Britain’s CEO, John Pearce, met with Sarah Jones, the Minister for Trade, at the historic Old Admiralty Building, headquarters for the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in London. John was joined by George Middleton, advisor to Made in Britain.

The meeting reinforced the growing collaboration between Made in Britain and DBT, and explored new opportunities, including engaging Made in Britain companies with the government’s Industrial Strategy.

Strengthening the Partnership Between MiB and DBT

During the meeting, Made in Britain and DBT agreed to continue to build collaboration. Several recent initiatives were discussed, including:

  • Export to Asia-Pacific session to take place during International Trade Week.  DBT will support this MiB session, open to any UK company, which will highlight opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region for UK manufacturers. Two Made in Britian companies will share their experiences of exporting to the region.
  • Supply NATO session with DBT representatives in Brussels.  Made in Britain hosted UK representatives to NATO to introduce Made in Britain companies to what NATO buys and how to become part of its supply chain.
  • Export to Europe session with representatives of DBT’s Europe Hub, based in Prague.  The Made in Britain session share companies’ experiences of exporting to Europe, in terms of opportunities and overcoming challenges.  DBT set out the support they offer to UK companies in the region.

Industrial Strategy and Green Paper Consultation

A central topic of conversation was the Green Paper that is out for consultation, offering an opportunity for UK manufacturers to shape the future of the UK’s Industrial Strategy. Minister Jones acknowledged the valuable role Made in Britain can play in the consultation process and welcomed it’s support in raising awareness. 

Made in Britain underscored the significance of its community, highlighting the economic, environmental and social value to the UK of the manufacturing sector. 

Procurement Act and Public Sector Opportunities

The Procurement Act was also discussed, acknowledging Made in Britain’s interest in supporting UK manufacturing companies, particularly SMEs, to win more business with the UK government.

Future Engagement and Collaboration

Made in Britain and the DBT agreed to continue to strengthen the relationship and collaboration.

If you would like to make contact with Made in Britain in relation to the Industrial Strategy, the UK government, supply chains or international trade more widely – please email trade@madeinbritain.org 

By Made in Britain 1 month ago | Government & Supply Chains

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