Deborah Meaden backs Make It campaign

Entrepreneur Deborah Meaden is backing the Government’s campaign to tackle outdated perceptions of manufacturing and seek out innovative ideas. Known to the public for her role on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den, she is joining other business leaders from across the UK to lend her support to the Make it in Great Britain campaign, which aims to challenge negative perceptions of British manufacturing.

Commenting on her involvement, Ms Meaden said: “What this campaign is doing is demonstrating to the public how truly exciting and innovative manufacturing is, and highlighting the range of opportunities that exist, particularly for young people. As consumers, we care more about the finished product, but what we miss out on is the fascinating way in which that product is created. More and more, I find myself coming away from visits to businesses and laboratories across the country thinking how impressed I am with manufacturing in the UK.”

The judges of the Make it in Great Britain Challenge — the competition element of the campaign — are preparing to name their chosen finalists. The Challenge was launched earlier in the year to find the most promising and cutting-edge pre-market products and processes, and it closed to entries on 13 April.

The Challenge and campaign will culminate in an exhibition at the Science Museum in London during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The finalists will display their creations alongside 40 chosen exhibitors such as Mars, McLaren, Coca-Cola, Axon Automotive Ltd and Ceravision.