The UK Government has launched a new 10-year Industrial Strategy, marking a significant shift in national economic policy. Designed to unlock investment, boost productivity, and create high-quality jobs, the strategy focuses on long-term, sector-led growth—with manufacturing at its core.
At the heart of the strategy are eight key sectors identified as critical to the UK’s future prosperity. These include Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Life Sciences, Defence, Digital & Tech, Creative Industries, Financial Services, and Professional & Business Services.
For manufacturing businesses across Calderdale and Kirklees, this represents both a signal of intent and a practical opportunity. The strategy commits to:
- Reducing industrial electricity costs
- Accelerating grid connections for new sites
- Unlocking finance through the British Business Bank and new Industrial Strategy Zones
- Supporting innovation and skills development in key clusters
Importantly, the strategy includes a strong place-based component—recognising that growth is driven by local ecosystems of SMEs, supply chains, research institutions, and regional leadership.
As CKMA, we’ll be working to ensure that our region’s voice is heard, and that West Yorkshire manufacturers are well positioned to benefit from the support and investment this strategy promises.
You can read the full strategy here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/industrial-strategy