A new Web site showcasing British manufacturing is set to be launched today at a high-profile event in London.

The ‘brain-child’ of former Financial Times manufacturing editor Peter Marsh, the www.madeherenow.com site will attempt to tell the story of modern-day industry through a series of articles and videos about four companies — AES, Bentley Motors, Plessey Semiconductors and FormFormForm.

A total of 46 organisations have already backed the Web site, which is setting out to educate young people on the career opportunities in manufacturing, to influence academics and politicians and to change perceptions of Britain’s industrial strengths.

Mr Marsh, who spent more than 20 years as a broadsheet journalist, said: “We are still very good at making things, and manufacturing has immense potential to contribute substantially to our economy.

"However, not enough people are aware of our success stories, and one way to improve the growth prospects of UK industry is to find new ways to tell the world about it. Made Here Now intends to meet this need by using some of the best design, photography and writing to bring to life the excitement of making things.

"We want to make the Web site as interactive as possible and will welcome lots of feedback. The project has really captured the imagination, and we’ve already received significant support from organisations such as JCB, Nesta, Rolls-Royce, Santander Bank, Siemens, the Royal Society and the University of Cambridge.”

In addition to the profiles of the four companies, Made Here Now will feature articles on the future for manufacturing in the developed world, the prospects for re-shoring and major technology shifts.

The launch event, which starts at 6.30pm at the Building Centre Gallery (26 Storey St, WC1), will also feature keynote speeches from author and economic commentator Will Hutton and Terry Scuoler, chief executive of the EEF.