ASG Group has announced that Mandy Ridyard, director of
ASG Produmax, has been appointed to the National Manufacturing Commission, which serves as the research arm of the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group (APMG), and is launching a new inquiry into how the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy can better support manufacturing SMEs.
The inquiry will explore key challenges facing the sector, including energy costs, infrastructure, access to finance, and regulatory reform. It aims to ensure that the UK’s 250,000 manufacturing SMEs are equipped to innovate and contribute to national resilience and economic growth.
Mandy Ridyard said: “SMEs are the lifeblood of UK manufacturing and play a crucial role in creating innovation, resilience, and jobs across our regions. I am honoured to join the National Manufacturing Commission at such a pivotal time, ensuring the voice of SME manufacturers is heard loud and clear as the Industrial Strategy takes shape. At ASG Produmax, we have seen first-hand how the right ingredients can help drive innovation enabling SMEs to compete globally. Support around cheap green energy, investment, skills, and digitalisation, for example, will help ensure a bright future for UK manufacturing.”
ASG Group CEO Simon Weston added: “We are delighted that Mandy has been invited to join the Manufacturing Commission. Her experience leading ASG Produmax and championing SME growth makes her a strong voice for advanced manufacturing and the critical role SMEs play in driving innovation, exports, and resilience.”