Environmental concerns, rapid progress in technology and political changes have shaped the manufacturing landscape in 2023. Rishi Sunak’s Net Zero announcement in September caused frustration in the industry after many manufacturing companies prioritised meeting net zero targets, just for these to be pushed back. The Autumn Budget promising £4.5bn of funding for British manufacturers was welcomed by the sector, and the Advanced Manufacturing Plan looks promising, with a particular focus on renewable technologies and increased digitisation.
