McLaren boss gives advice to British manufacturing industry

McLaren executive chairman Ron Dennis has urged British manufacturers to ''dare to be different'' and focus on long-term goals.

In a speech at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Parliamentary Reception at the Houses of Parliament, Dennis, former head of the McLaren Formula 1 team expressed concern over the focus of the UK economy on the financial sector, rather than concentrating the engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Drawing comparison with Japan, Dennis was cited in The Manufacturer as saying that car-makers such as Toyota were supported heavily by the government with strict re-investment and research policies, whilst UK manufacturing industries were left to fight their own battles.

Despite this perceived lack of support, Real Business reports that the sector is growing substantially, with Office for National Statistics figures revealing that UK manufacturing in May grew by 4.3 per cent month on month - the biggest increase in growth for over 15 years.

In his ''Made in Britain'' speech, Dennis re-iterates the UK's ability to produce leaders in the manufacturing sector, saying of his native industry, ''Britain's Formula 1 innovation and engineering strength remain world-renowned and world-respected.''

In advice aimed at the whole of the UK manufacturers, including those in more specialist fields such as the badge manufacturer industry, Dennis said that long-term success should be driven by the government, customers and suppliers working together. Saying that the industry should not be afraid to embrace new innovations, Dennis commented: ''Daring to be different in order to create something truly excellent is a hallmark of Britain's engineering and manufacturing heritage.''

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