With the manufacturing industry a hugely important part of UK cultural history, it is no wonder that they are known as the nation of makers.
Manufacturing has long since been one of the biggest industries in the UK. With a history of invention and strong ties to the research and development networks which spurred on production of those inventions, it’s no wonder that the UK boasts a huge manufacturing sector responsible for 9.3% of the gross revenue of the UK in 2023.
Manufacturing is definitely big business in Britain. What do you need to know about this nation of makers? We answer your questions below.
What Percentage of the GDP in UK is Manufacturing?
In the UK, the manufacturing industry makes up just under 10% of the gross national economic output of the nation. Currently 9.3%, this makes manufacturing a multi-billion pound industry. Manufacturing is a multi-faceted industry, too. There are several sectors where production can thrive here.
Has Manufacturing Declined in the UK?
Although manufacturing in the UK has declined, it depends on where in history you begin measuring. At one point, the UK was the primary manufacturer for industries like coal mining, iron smelting, and chemical production. Since then, manufacturing has shifted and evolved, declined and grown again.
While manufacturing in the UK might have dipped since the dizzying heights of the 1800s it is safe to say that modern manufacturing methods are pushing production in the UK ahead once again. In 2023, the UK overtook France as the 8th largest manufacturing nation in the world. In this case success depends upon which period f history you examine!
Which Products are Manufactured in the UK?
Some well-known products made in the UK include the nation’s favourite toast topping: Marmite. Love it or hate it, it is just one product in a string of businesses representing the UK on a global scale. Metals are a huge product in the UK, with RioTinto and AngloAmerican some of the biggest brands in smelting.
A list of products made in the UK include:
- Cars and automobiles – from Aston Martin to Bentley, cars, engines, and parts for both have been made in the UK for generations.
- Food production- food is one of the largest products in the UK. We are a nation of farmers which means we are a nation of packers, canners, pickers, and food processors.
- Fashion – if you want a well-made boot, you find a British cobbler to do it. Similarly, the UK has a long history of association with heavier textiles such as wools and tweeds. This is due to the bad weather and the need for quality textiles to rival it.
- Perfumes and aftershaves represent major UK products
- The UK even has a thriving pharmaceuticals sector despite the public healthcare system – or perhaps because of it.
What are the Largest Sectors in the Manufacturing Industry in the UK?
Food remains one of the largest areas of production within the UK. Well-known sugar brand Tate & Lyle originate here, as do numerous other names in food. For example, Haribo are British, Pontefract cakes, soor plooms, marmite, jaffa cakes, Cadbury chocolate, P&G who make crisps and laundry detergent- and many others.
Asides from food, the chemical production sector in the UK is still going strong. Ever since its alchemical origins in the 18th century, the UK chemical production industry has grown from strength to strength. Notably, nowadays it is turning towards the use of less hazardous materials. Many of the areas originally damaged by bleach factories have since been rewilded.
Britain has a huge financial sector. Although not strictly manufacturing oriented, it is worth noting that financial institutions and products have been a backbone of the UK economy for hundreds of years.
The British telecommunications market was the first in Europe to implement privatisation of the defence systems. Ever since, telecommunications have been a growth industry here. Whether manufacturing phone parts or basing call centres in Scotland where the accent is deemed ‘trustworthy’, telecommunications in the UJK is going strong.
The Future of UK Manufacturing
Where does the historically powerful and robust UK manufacturing industry go from here? With industry 4.0 in full swing, mass digitisation is on the cards. Automation can only follow suit, with improvements in the production line and robotic tech carrying the answers to mass production deficits.
The future of UK manufacturing lies at least in part in computing and FinTech products. Manufacturing could be set to both back this and shape it, depending on how ready we are with the tech.