Backing Britain is back. Made in Group is urging the UK government to debate and act upon: addressing concerns related to safeguarding manufacturing capacity, addressing concerns related to ownership of British businesses and appointing a Minister for manufacturing.
After the recent general election, the Backing Britain Campaign aims to present both the challenges and opportunities in the manufacturing sector to the new government. By amplifying the voices of the business leaders most affected, the campaign seeks to educate top-level officials about the changes that SMEs in manufacturing want to see.
In an insightful conversation with Tom Marren, the Managing Director of WOMAG Weighing, we explored the challenges and opportunities faced by the UK manufacturing sector. Tom, who has been with WOMAG for just shy of 30 years, shared his views on the critical role of government policy and support in shaping the future of British manufacturing. His insights align with the broader themes of the "Backing Britain" campaign, emphasising the need for stability and strategic leadership.
“Manufacturing is at the forefront of everything we do”
For over 50 years, WOMAG Weighing has played a vital role in supporting the UK manufacturing sector by providing specialised weighing solutions across a wide range of industries, including food production, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, aerospace, and more. WOMAG’s commitment to UK manufacturing goes beyond merely supplying equipment; the company is deeply involved in ensuring that manufacturers achieve compliance, maintain high standards of quality assurance, and improve operational efficiency.
"Manufacturing is at the forefront of everything we do," says Tom Marren, WOMAG's Managing Director. The company’s approach is rooted in the belief that automation is key to driving efficiency and reducing human error. WOMAG’s systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing processes, collecting data automatically to optimise production lines and minimise waste. This focus on automation not only enhances productivity but also contributes to sustainability by ensuring that resources are used efficiently.
A Need for Specialised Industry Training
During our interview with Tom, he highlighted that the UK manufacturing sector faces significant challenges, chief among them being the shortage of skilled engineers. This is particularly evident in industries requiring expertise in specialised technologies, such as weighing systems. "Specialist engineers are very difficult to find," Tom explained.
WOMAG experience ongoing difficulties in recruiting qualified engineers, a challenge often attributed to the broader industry issue of insufficient specialised training programs. However, despite the shortage of engineers with specific expertise, WOMAG have managed to overcome this by hiring engineers from other sectors who bring transferable skills, such as a strong foundation in electronic and mechanical engineering.
Regulatory Challenges
Another major challenge, in fact possibly the most significant one for WOMAG and the Weighing industry as a whole, is the regulatory uncertainty across the industry since Brexit. Tom Marren, who serves as the President of the UK Weighing Federation, expressed frustration with the government's handling of legal metrology regulations, particularly following Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He highlighted how the introduction and subsequent retraction of the UKCA mark caused confusion and unnecessary financial strain for businesses. Many companies spent substantial sums on securing certifications for type approval under the UKCA system, only for the government to revert to permitting the use of the previous EU-based CE marking system. Tom described the past four years as a period of very real uncertainty, "it would be fair to say we didn’t know exactly where we stood," emphasising the lack of clear and consistent direction from the government.
Tom also pointed out that the weighing industry often gets overlooked in favour of sectors that are seen as more valuable or politically significant, such as fuel. He explained that while fuel sales by volume receive rigorous oversight, the more financially significant trade by weight in areas like waste management and scrap materials is not as well understood or recognised. This inconsistency, he argued, can leave industries like weighing, where quality standards, accuracy and compliance are essential, feel unsupported.
All that being said, Tom remains hopeful, as recent communications with government departments suggest that things might be moving in the right direction to address these challenges.
The Need for Strategic Leadership and Government Support
Tom discussed the need for a dedicated Minister for Manufacturing to provide focused leadership and support for the sector. He believes that such a position would help in the development of policies that promote innovation, improve skills training, and enhance trade relations. "UK manufacturing accounts for almost 25% of the economy, yet we don’t have a minister dedicated to representing us" he stated.
Reflecting on what should be high on the agenda for those representing industry at government level, Tom highlighted the importance of government-backed innovation grants and R&D tax relief for SMEs. He noted that the current funding landscape is insufficient, particularly when compared to the support available before Brexit. The reduced availability of grants and the complexities of the application process have deterred many businesses from pursuing opportunities that could drive confidence in the sector, which in turn would be the catalyst for further investment and growth.
Backing Britain by Building Resilience
Whilst drawing the interview to a close, Tom explained that for him, "Backing Britain" is about more than just supporting UK manufacturing—it’s about “investing in local communities”, “fostering innovation”, and “ensuring sustainability”.
Having remarked how up and down regulation has been within the UK Weighing industry earlier in our conversation, Tom emphasised the importance of keeping manufacturing processes controlled within the UK; ensuring that products meet British standards for quality and compliance. Reinforcing this point, Tom spoke passionately about the pride and global recognition associated with British-made products, noting that international clients seek out UK companies for their reputation in quality assurance.
Ultimately, for WOMAG, Backing Britain involves a commitment to representing the concerns of an entire industry, prioritising specialist skills development, and ensuring the long-term success of UK manufacturing on the global stage.
Made in Group is a trade organisation that helps elevate manufacturing businesses' online presence whilst giving them a platform to connect and share ideas. Dedicated to uniting British industry, the UK collective relies on its members to help them amplify their voice for manufacturing and showcase the critical role of industry leaders in shaping the nation's future.
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