UK car makers achieve 11th consecutive month of growth
According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), UK car manufacturers reported production growth of 10% to 155,641 units in June – the highest level for the month since 1998.
The strong performance in June closes the first half of 2016, with 897,157 cars rolling off production lines, a 13% increase on the same period last year. A 15% rise in export demand is thought to be a drive factor for volumes, but the domestic market also grew by 7%.
For more information on the latest figures, head here: http://ow.ly/ZapJ302PRYx
GSK pledge to invest in UK manufacturing
In the wake of Brexit and the UK’s ongoing period of uncertainty, pharmaceutical giant GSK has announced that it will invest £275m into its manufacturing operations in the UK.
GSK, who has nine sites which employ around 6,000 people across the UK, has said that the investment is aimed at boosting production and supporting the delivery of the latest innovations in respiratory and large molecule biological medicines. According to The Manufacturer, GSK believes that the UK’s skilled workforce, the technological and scientific capabilities of the country and its competitive corporation tax system make it an appealing location to do business from.
What do you think? Is GSK’s investment a big boost for UK industry? To read more, head here: http://ow.ly/KNFN302PRZw
Engineering unites to provide advice to government for EU negotiations
Following the result of the EU referendum, 38 engineering organisations have joined forces to support the government in forthcoming negotiations.
One of those organisations, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), has revealed that the group believes that it’s important to ensure the UK maintains its position as a centre of world class engineering research, remains competitive in export markets and has access to the skills the industry needs.
Colin Brown, Director of IMechE, said: “We very much welcome the chance to work with our engineering partners to give evidence-based advice to help our EU negotiators gain the best possible outcomes.”
To find out how the organisations plan on doing this, head here: http://ow.ly/zgiO302PS0E