The publication of the manufacturing manifesto by the MHA group of accountants, of which Monahans is a member, makes for interesting reading.

Manufacturers from around the UK have given their opinion on what matters and what they would change if they had the power.

There was a huge appetite for regional hubs to perform a number of functions all focussed on consolidating: n The support for the sector now provided by a plethora of organisations including UKTI and MAS under one umbrella for each region, to ensure support is directed where needed rather than on the current sporadic basis; n Forums for business to engage and yes, this is a two- way street – the forum needs to provide the setting but businesses also need to be educated about how engagement can help them; n And co-ordinating training and mentoring, facilitating networking and developing local supply chains – imagine being able to source the majority of your inputs from within the same region!

The grant structure is something of a postcode lottery, not supportive of success and very geographically fragmented – so make funding equal across the country. Many of the large banks are set up in regions, so closer ties with banks lending on a regional basis would focus funding and promote expertise both in the banks and in businesses.

Lastly, education and tax. Education should be demand led, with the needs of manufacturing being assessed and relevant courses provided on that basis and with engineering courses being promoted by lowering tuition fees. Meanwhile tax incentives for “re-shoring” of production to the UK would be a huge step in the right direction to capitalise on a growing trend.

With a general election in May next year, how much of this wish list appears in any political party’s election manifesto we will have to see, but, there is no doubt that if manufacturers had their way the UK would be “making” a lot more than it does now.

For more information visit www.monah ans.co.uk or call Simon Cooper on (01249) 766966 or email simon.cooper@ monahans.co.uk