Enginuity has launched a new policy centre to give SMEs in engineering and manufacturing a stronger voice in national skills and industrial policy.
The Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs brings industry bodies, employers, and government together to build a clearer understanding of the challenges smaller manufacturers face.
As an Enginuity partner, the Construction Equipment Association (CEA) said it welcomes this development, revealing that it aligns with many of the skills and supply chain challenges raised across the construction equipment sector.
The centre will draw on data, research, and direct engagement to ensure industry experience is taken into account in skills and industrial policy. This is tipped to help support ‘more practical and grounded’ conversations with government, particularly around recruitment and training issues.
Early work links into discussions on the Advanced Manufacturing Plan, apprenticeship levy access, FE provision, and investment in technical education. The centre is also gathering insight through its SME Snapshot survey, which tracks how smaller firms respond to economic and policy changes.
Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, said, “SMEs are the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet their voices often struggle to cut through in the policy arena. Effective policy depends on honest engagement with the people who understand the challenges first hand, and too many SMEs feel they are not being heard. The Policy Centre has been created to bring clarity, evidence and direction to that conversation. By drawing together SMEs, government and industry partners, we can support a stronger skills system and a more resilient supply chain.”
Viki Bell, CEO of the Construction Equipment Association, added, “The Policy Centre offers a welcome focus on the real pressures facing smaller manufacturers. Skills and supply chain challenges continue to affect many businesses across our sector and having a clearer evidence base helps move the national conversation in a more practical direction. The construction equipment sector relies on a skilled and resilient supply chain, and this launch is a positive step towards ensuring SME experience is properly reflected in policy.”
