Comment from Brian Holliday, Managing Director, Digital Factory at Siemens

Phil Black - PII Editor 11/03/2017

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In response to ONS UK Index of Production (03 March 2017):

“We welcome the latest ONS UK Index of Production figures which show growth driven largely by manufacturing. This shows the UK’s manufacturing base is moving in the right direction with year-on-year output as at January 2017 showing a notable increase.

“However, a continued focus on productivity improvement across UK industry is essential to maintain growth. It’s also vital that UK manufacturers have access to the digital skills and technologies required to support growth through innovation as inspired by the fourth Industrial Revolution.

“We welcome too, support in the budget for productivity and investment in technology in addition to the new T-Levels which could be game-changing for vocational education and support the future supply of much needed UK engineers.

It was also encouraging to see a longer-term commitment to R&D for digital technologies like electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and robotics as a foundation for further investment in these key innovation fields.

“The Chancellor’s focus on technology skills will greatly help government and UK industry deliver on the industrial strategy in support of global competitiveness, and we are committed to playing our role in numerous ways, from the Industrial Digitalisation Review to the ongoing provision of apprenticeship and graduate schemes that support our business and beyond, for our customers and extensive UK supply chain.”