New Industrial Strategy welcomed by experts
Monday 23 June 2025
New Industrial Strategy welcomed by experts
Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) recognised as focus for battery innovation to improve UK economic resilience
Experts at the University of Warwick welcome the Government’s new Industrial Strategy, announced today.
“The industrial strategy will be welcomed our partners in manufacturing,” said Greg Clark, Executive Chair of Warwick Innovation District*. “In having the confidence to choose particular sectors in which to invest over the long-term, the strategy sets out a roadmap that will secure the future of industries vital to the UK economy. We look forward to playing our part, here at the University of Warwick, in supporting its successful implementation.”
The strategy focuses on eight key sectors, many of which are established areas of research, innovation and technical development at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG). The strategy references WMG’s role, along with fellow High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre CPI, in battery innovation, building on decades of investment in its Energy Innovation Centre.
“I am delighted that our expertise in driving battery innovation has been recognised by this commitment for long-term investment,” said Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG and Director for Industrial Engagement.
“WMG plays a critical role in the UK’s battery eco-system. Alongside the investment focus at WMG, we welcome the new Battery Innovation programme, which builds on the Faraday Battery Challenge, to develop manufacturing capability in the UK and enable growth up and down the supply chain.
“WMG was established to support advanced manufacturing here in the West Midlands and our reach and industrial partnerships have grown over the last 45 years. Our deep expertise in the automotive industry, steel, clean energy, automation, aerospace, agri-tech and scaling SME capability through technology adoption, all have a vital role to play in realising the Government’s ambition.
“The ten-year commitment to automotive and aerospace sectors will be particularly helpful and encourage companies to conduct their product development and their manufacturing here in the UK, given that these industries have decade-long product cycles. The action on energy costs will also have a significant impact: energy costs in the UK have been a major impediment to inward investment in manufacturing – given WMG’s focus on the manufacturing sector, we are delighted to see that Government has listened and acted on this.
“We also welcome the Industrial Strategy’s focus on the skills needed for manufacturing growth – especially short courses for industrial up-skilling, as they are critical to the success of British businesses; we look forward to working with Skills England and industry to upskill, reskill and educate our incredible manufacturing workforce.”
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*Greg Clark is also a member of the Government’s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council.
For further comment or to speak with the experts quoted, please contact the University press office on 07392 125605 or email press@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window