An insightful report by MakeUK reveals concerns from UK manufacturers about deteriorating infrastructure over the past decade.
- 54% of manufacturers say national road conditions have worsened, impeding economic growth.
- Regional disparities show northern England most affected, with Yorkshire and Humber notably pessimistic.
- Infrastructure’s crucial role in supply-chain management and production highlighted by nearly three-quarters of manufacturers.
- Report calls for bold government action on infrastructure, prioritising road repairs and local decision-making.
A recent report by MakeUK has painted a concerning picture for the UK’s economic growth potential, focusing on the deteriorating state of the nation’s road infrastructure. Highlighting the views of UK manufacturers, the survey revealed that 54% believe road conditions have declined over the last ten years, a factor they see as a significant impediment to economic advancement.
The report goes further, analysing regional sentiments, which reveal that the north of England is notably critical of current road standards. In Yorkshire and Humber, 68% of manufacturers expressed that road infrastructure has worsened, whereas in the north-west, 50% of companies shared similar concerns, with the north east not far behind at 43%.
These findings underscore the indispensable role that roads play in facilitating national commerce and manufacturing processes. Nearly three-quarters of surveyed manufacturers, precisely 74%, confirmed that the road network is significant or very significant for effective supply-chain management. Additionally, 64% acknowledged the roads’ vital role in enabling just-in-time production strategies.
Local rail infrastructure has also drawn criticism, with 47% of manufacturers indicating a decline in quality over the past decade, while 37% observed no improvement. This suggests a broader infrastructure challenge that transcends the road network alone.
Manufacturers vocalised their perception that the government’s current infrastructure valuation overly prioritises cost at the expense of potential long-term benefits. As noted, 68% of companies indicated that enhancing infrastructure would directly result in reduced goods transportation costs, benefiting the entire logistics chain.
Addressing the UK’s ongoing skills crisis, manufacturers further emphasised the need for improved labour mobility, presenting it as a critical factor for governmental attention. Recommendations suggest that focusing on infrastructure quality, both digital and physical, could substantially drive consistent economic growth.
For tangible improvements, the report demands the new government undertake courageous investments in infrastructure. A priority should be the restoration of the UK’s roads, with an emphasis on major A roads and motorways. To realise this, manufacturers are advocating for increased local involvement in decision-making, empowering local authorities to accelerate planning and implementation processes.
Further, MakeUK’s recommendations include long-term commitments to infrastructure projects, expediting planning procedures by granting additional powers to local jurisdictions, and bolstering local transport links to support manufacturing access.
In response, the National Highways spokesperson stated that efficient motorways and A roads are critical to UK commerce, highlighting ongoing assessments showing a high percentage of roads in favourable condition.
The report underscores a pressing need for decisive infrastructure improvements to bolster UK’s economic growth.
