Britain’s manufacturers could boost their investment by up to £10bn if they were to take advantage of the range of public and private financial options available to them, helping to raise the investment potential of the sector overall by up to a fifth and address the UK’s long-term productivity weakness. This is according to Make UK’s latest report – Finance: Opening Doors to Investment in Manufacturing – published in partnership with NatWest and Lombard. It also finds that 26% would increase their own investment by up to a fifth if access to finance was improved, while12% would increase their investment by up to half. 

For further information www.makeuk.org

A leading battery technology manufacturer has completed the successful commissioning of what it describes as the world’s most advanced laser welding machine. The installation and operation of the IPG Photonics EV Flex welder is a significant milestone for the UK facility of Alexander Battery Technologies, which marks its 40th anniversary this year.

CEO Mark Rutherford says: “With the EV Flex laser now active, representing an investment of more than £500,000, our production has transformed. We can now produce our battery packs, crucial for high-end applications like e-mobility and robotic technology, with a level of precision and quality that sets a new industry standard.Our enhanced production capability has become a cornerstone of our robust growth strategy.”

For further information www.alexandertechnologies.com

WMG at the University of Warwick says it has boosted the West Midlands economy by £450m: for every £1 invested into WMG’s SME programmes, around £22 returns to the local economy. In 20 years, WMG has delivered manufacturing expertise to 15,000 SMEs in the Midlands. It has also supported the creation of more than 13,000 jobs, 350 new businesses and 355 internships. Dr Mark Swift, director of SME Engagement at WMG, says: “Our work over the past 20 years has shown that targeted high-value support can help manufacturers accelerate growth, improve productivity and create jobs.”

For further information www.bit.ly/4d7HWOb