Terry Scuoler, the CEO of the EEF (www.eef.org.uk), has said that the forthcoming General Election provides an opportunity to better plan industrial policy.

He said: “Manufacturing industry must be at the heart of any new Government’s vision for a strong and successful economic plan for the UK. Manufacturing firms across the UK represent the best of British business, and they need to feel certain that Government is backing themin the face of the complex process of leaving the EU.

“Leaving the EU is an opportunity for a new Government to ensure that the foundations of a comprehensive and ambitious industrial strategy are fully embedded.

“That means putting the delivery of that strategy at the very centre of government and making sure that all departments are accountable. This is not a revolutionary concept; many successful economies have done this for decades and are reaping the benefits. The UK must do the same.

“A clear commitment to an industrial strategy will give business confidence that the Government is capable of looking long-term at strengthening some of the fundamental levers of our economy — from boosting innovation and improving infrastructure to ensuring that we have a clear education strategy for industry, where schools and colleges are preparing young people with the skills they need for the future.”