Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has set out the Government’s vision for a “new industrial age”, pledging greater regional powers, lower industrial energy costs and targeted support for advanced manufacturing during a speech at the West Midlands Growth Summit in Coventry.
Addressing business leaders, manufacturers and regional stakeholders last week, Reynolds said the Government’s industrial strategy is focused on strengthening the UK's competitive position in advanced manufacturing, innovation and clean technologies rather than attempting to recreate industries of the past.
He described re-industrialisation as an opportunity to ensure that British innovations are developed, scaled and manufactured in the UK, supported by closer collaboration between industry, research institutions and government.
A key theme of the speech was greater devolution of economic powers and investment decisions. Reynolds said central government would work in partnership with regional authorities, businesses and trade unions, while enabling more decisions to be taken locally.
The
West Midlands Combined Authority was highlighted as a model for this approach, with the Government backing a series of regional initiatives announced at the summit. These include an expansion of the Business Energy Advice Service, a new Talent Transition Pilot designed to retain skilled workers within the region, and a Government-backed battery manufacturing task force.
Manufacturing competitiveness featured prominently throughout the speech, with Reynolds identifying high industrial energy costs as one of the biggest challenges facing UK industry. He pointed to the Government’s Energy Supercharger initiative and the recently launched British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme as measures designed to reduce energy costs for manufacturers and improve international competitiveness.
The Business Secretary also emphasised the importance of international trade, noting that six new trade agreements had been secured with major global economies. He highlighted India’s reduction of automotive tariffs from over 100% to 10%, describing the change as a significant opportunity for UK manufacturers and exporters.
The automotive sector was a particular focus, reflecting the West Midlands’ long-standing position as the centre of the UK vehicle industry. Reynolds confirmed support for up to £50 million of innovation funding for the automotive supply chain through the Government’s Drive 35 programme.
The funding is intended to help manufacturers adapt to the transition towards electric vehicles through investment in automation, retooling and new technologies, while also supporting the development of critical EV supply-chain capabilities.
Reynolds said the shift towards electrification represents both a challenge and an opportunity for UK manufacturers, adding that the Government is determined to ensure that future vehicle production and associated technologies remain rooted in Britain.
He also highlighted recent investments by
Jaguar Land Rover, including the development of next-generation electric vehicles and software-defined vehicle technologies. Referring to the newly unveiled Jaguar Type 1, Reynolds said the model demonstrated the continuing strength of UK automotive engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Beyond automotive production, the Business Secretary pointed to wider examples of industrial transformation across the UK, including growth in clean energy generation in the North East and the expansion of critical minerals production in Cornwall to support battery manufacturing and electrification.
Concluding his address, Reynolds reiterated the Government’s commitment to delivering high-skilled, high-value manufacturing jobs through its industrial strategy. He said the West Midlands would play a central role in this ambition, describing the region as one of the key drivers of Britain's next phase of industrial growth.
Pic: Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds