Laura Capper
Head of Manufacturing and Construction, NatWest
As the Government rolls out its new industrial strategy, the UK manufacturing sector stands at a critical point: securing access to finance will be essential to driving long-term growth.
Often regarded as the backbone of Britain’s economy, manufacturing not only contributes over £200 billion annually to the UK’s GDP (according to manufacturing body, Make UK), the sector also provides critical supply-chain capabilities, job creation and training.
Amid global uncertainty, the sector faces unprecedented challenges. Bold investments in new technology, sustainable practices, innovation and human capital could be the key to thriving in a world of rapid change.
At NatWest, we’re committed to pushing Britain’s manufacturing sector forward into a new era of opportunity. We are ready to connect manufacturing businesses with the funding and support they need to capitalise on the government’s industrial strategy — and position themselves for enduring success.
Key factors for future success
The Government’s industrial plan outlines a clear, decade-long vision to future-proof UK industry by encouraging investment in advanced manufacturing processes, clean energy, digital infrastructure and strong supply chains.
The strategies it identifies for future success are:
- Automating processes to boost productivity
- Digital transformation to drive competitiveness
- Sustainable growth to accelerate the transition to net zero
- Workforce agility to adapt to future skills needs
- Supply chain resilience to reduce vulnerability and improve strategic capability
Finance is often crucial for manufacturers looking to invest in new machinery, adopt cleaner tech, expand capacity or improve energy efficiency. However, businesses have cited complexity or lack of awareness as barriers to securing the right financial support.
We want to bridge this gap by providing solutions and flexible expertise to help manufacturers scale and grow.
At NatWest, we’re committed to
pushing Britain’s manufacturing sector
forward into a new era of opportunity.
Backing British manufacturing
NatWest, along with our asset finance division, Lombard, currently works closely with over 50,000 businesses and customers in UK manufacturing, from corporates and PLCs to sole traders and the SMEs, which are the engine of the UK’s manufacturing base.
Our regional relationship managers, sector specialists and enterprise teams are embedded in local economies across the country. This localised approach ensures they understand the specific challenges and opportunities facing manufacturing businesses, from engineering hubs in the Midlands to advanced materials innovators in the Northeast.
“British manufacturers are the lifeblood of our economy, and at NatWest, we’re committed to helping our manufacturing customers navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by an evolving and changing sector,” says Laura Capper, NatWest’s Head of Manufacturing and Construction.
“We know manufacturing businesses require a bank that understands industry dynamics, and through our sector insight, specialist trained staff and vast network of strategic partners, we support manufacturing businesses with tailored solutions.”
A recent report, published by NatWest and Make UK, found that almost three-quarters of companies said that without access to finance, investments would not take place. This clearly demonstrates the pivotal role finance plays in activating the government’s industrial strategy – and the importance of strong, lasting partnerships between finance providers and businesses.
Discover how NatWest and Lombard can support your manufacturing journey at natwest.com and lombard.co.uk.
Security may be required. Products fees may apply. Finance is subject to status and for business purposes only.
