Samantha Vassallo, Managing Director of North East-based international B2B marketing company and EMN affiliate Horizon Works, looks at the impact of the Government’s new industrial strategy for manufacturing marketing.
The UK Government’s recently announced Industrial Strategy is geared up to “hardwire stability for investors,” while increasing productivity and growth across key sectors. With a focus on advanced manufacturing, clean growth, life sciences, AI, and digital infrastructure this ambitious strategy is intended to drive long-term growth that is sustainable, resilient and distributed across the country.
With a record-breaking £63 billion in private investments planned for the UK, it’s clear that the businesses that will benefit the most will be those that can articulate their contributions to key areas of innovation and align with the strategy’s goals.
We understand that navigating these opportunities will take more than just technical know-how, it will require purposeful marketing strategies that clearly communicate your business’s role in this modern industrial landscape.
Boosting productivity and innovation
The Government’s plan to raise R&D investment to 2.4% of GDP by 2027, combined with long-anticipated initiatives like the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, offers businesses the opportunity to lead in areas like AI, robotics, and clean energy.
For EMN members this is a moment to not only innovate but also ensure their brand consistently reflects this forward-thinking approach. The companies that stand out will be those who communicate their role in solving global challenges, through developing low-carbon technologies or driving efficiency through automation. Clear, consistent messaging that aligns with government priorities will be key in gaining the confidence of investors, partners and stakeholders across the board.
Clean growth and sustainability
The strategy highlights the importance of clean growth, with an emphasis on maximising the advantages for UK industries during the global shift towards sustainability. For businesses in the renewables, energy, and manufacturing sectors, this presents significant opportunities to demonstrate how they are contributing to environmental goals.
But with sustainability high on the agenda, marketing must go beyond traditional approaches. Stakeholders want to know how your business is addressing environmental challenges and delivering real impact. A purpose-driven marketing strategy that highlights your commitment to clean growth – and positions your company as a leader in the sustainability space – can support you in this.
Strengthening local and global reach
One of the strategy’s key areas of focus is driving growth across the entire UK, building on local strengths and creating regional industrial hubs. Local strategies will play an important role in revitalising areas and industries that have traditionally lagged behind.
At the same time, the emphasis on increasing global competitiveness through trade and inward investment is opening doors for businesses to expand into international markets. It will become increasingly important to develop tailored messaging that resonates with different audiences in order to foster these strong and long-lasting partnerships.
The role of marketing in navigating the Industrial Strategy
We know that businesses operating in the manufacturing and engineering sector need more than just a presence in the market – they need a strategic marketing approach that positions them as leaders in their fields. Whether it’s ensuring your messaging aligns with government initiatives, developing content that highlights your capabilities or building brand credibility with key stakeholders, marketing will play a critical role in helping your business leverage the opportunities created by the Industrial Strategy.
The companies that seize this moment will be those who not only innovate but also communicate their vision, their role in driving change, and their contributions to the UK’s future.
As the Industrial Strategy unfolds, Horizon Works is here to help EMN members navigate this landscape and develop marketing strategies that position them for success.
Ready to maximise the opportunities the Industrial Strategy presents? Contact Horizon Works and find out how we can support your business.
As an EMN Affiliate, we also offer a two-hour free marketing healthcheck, to assess your current marketing performance and help you understand where you can improve.
Visit www.horizon-works.com, email hello@horizon-works.com or call 0345 075 5955.