Two-thirds of UK manufacturers believe the country’s infrastructure has deteriorated over the past 10 years, survey finds

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17th November 2023 19:24 - Industrial

A survey has revealed that two-thirds of UK manufacturers believe the country’s infrastructure has deteriorated over the past ten years: Over two-thirds (68%) of UK manufacturers believe the country’s infrastructure has worsened over the past decade, with 57% saying the same about local networks over the past ten years.

The survey was conducted by manufacturers’ trade body Make UK. They asked 150 manufacturing companies questions about the UK’s infrastructure. Make UK said that their investments and growth potential is being held back because of the state of the rail and road networks.

Further findings highlighted that 48% of the manufacturing firms who responded said they believe poor infrastructure is holding them back from access to key labour and skills. Additionally, 35% said the quality of the infrastructure was slowing down efforts towards decarbonisation.

When asked what the government should prioritise, 6 in 10 (60%) of the manufacturing companies surveyed said the priority should be investing in roads and 5G broadband. Over half of respondents also said responsibility should be passed over to local authorities, as they are ‘likely to have a better view of what is working in their areas’.

Verity Davidge, Make UK director of policy, said: “Manufacturers are clear that the UK’s infrastructure is creaking at the seams and is getting worse, with very real impacts on their business. The recent announcement on HS2, with no Plan B, was indicative of short-termism and giving up when the job is half-finished".

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