MANUFACTURING CHANGE


High energy costs, global tariffs, innovation, skills, decarbonisation and strategies for growth were all key topics at the National Manufacturing Conference 2026, writes Ledetta Asfa-Wossen.


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embers of the manufacturing sector stretching across multiple industries, regions and countries, gathered for the annual manufacturing convention at


QEII in Westminster this week. Equipping the sector for uncertainty was a steady


theme on the day. Long-term host, journalist and engineering champion, Steph McGovern, opened


the event and ushered in a long line of speakers, from industrialists to manufacturing innovators, journalists and politicians to help businesses navigate what is a turbulent time for most sectors. Jon Sopel, broadcaster and author gave an overview


of the US and Israeli war with Iran and the current geopolitical crisis. Sopel gave some broader political and economic predictions and took a wider look at global tariffs which continue to impact stability, operations and strategic advancement for many companies, as well as US foreign policy and its relationship with the UK. On a national level, skills shortages, unemployment


and investment in training were persistent topics as well as future planning and innovation and the UK’s industrial strategy and advanced manufacturing plans in the face of rapidly advancing technology and external threats. Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK passionately talked about the state of the sector over the organisation’s


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