Enginuity and UK Metals Council: Cooperation on industrial policy

Enginuity and the UK Metals Council (UKMC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen the representation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in British engineering and manufacturing. The agreement was signed on November 5 at UK Metals Expo 2026 in Birmingham.

Together, the two organisations represent approximately 11,500 companies employing one million people, with a combined economic impact estimated at £200 billion.

The partnership aims to give manufacturing businesses a stronger voice in industrial policymaking, particularly in areas such as workforce development, skills shortages and the future competitiveness of British industry.

New policy centre to support manufacturing SMEs

A central element of the agreement is the Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs, powered by Enginuity. The initiative is designed to provide evidence-based recommendations for industrial and skills policy, drawing on the experience of employers across the engineering and metals sectors.

The UK Metals Council will contribute industry knowledge, market intelligence and insights from its members to support research and policy development.

The agreement identifies five areas for closer cooperation: the policy centre, joint policy and advocacy activities, skills and workforce development, cooperation on industry events and workshops, and the exchange of labour market intelligence.

Both organisations also intend to strengthen engagement with the UK government, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Skills development at the centre of the partnership

Workforce development is expected to play a particularly important role. The UKMC will encourage member companies to participate in research projects, pilot programmes and training initiatives, while supporting closer cooperation between industry and academic institutions.

Ann Watson MBE, CEO of Enginuity, emphasised the importance of combining the organisations' industry expertise and influence to support smaller manufacturers. She also highlighted the role of metals production in Britain's industrial capabilities and economic development.

Rachel Eade MBE, Chair of the UK Metals Council, described the agreement as an opportunity to align industry priorities and ensure that employers' requirements are better reflected in policy discussions.

She stressed that skills development should become a central consideration in the organisations' future engagement with policymakers.

Stronger industry representation

The agreement comes as British manufacturers face growing pressure to adapt to technological change, changing supply chains and the transition towards lower-carbon production.

For smaller companies in particular, access to qualified employees and suitable training opportunities remains an important factor in maintaining competitiveness.

By combining Enginuity's focus on engineering skills with the UKMC's network across the metals industry, the organisations aim to improve coordination between businesses, education providers and policymakers.

The partnership was formalised during the second day of UK Metals Expo 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre, where industrial strategy, innovation and the future of British manufacturing were among the main topics.

Source and Photo: www.enginuity.org and www.ukmetalscouncil.org