Keeping UK manufacturing competitive

Well the new president of the CBI – Sir Roger Carr – certainly knows how to create a first impression.

In one of his first official outings after taking up the post, Sir Roger (who only eighteen months ago, was at the centre of the Kraft, Cadbury’s takeover) was lobbying the government for action.

Following the publication of a report published last week and entitled, “The Coalition Government – one year on”, Sir Roger was at pains to ensure that UK-based energy intensive manufacturers remain competitive. This, he said, was becoming an increasing concern, following the rise of so-called “green stealth taxes”.

For the European wind industry of course, the increasing proliferation of green energy taxes has become a double-edged sword – with the government giving with the one-hand, while taking from the other.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change has repeatedly insisted that the introduction of new measures will keep these manufacturers competitive as we switch to a low carbon economy. However, while that may well be true, the issue of green energy incentives and taxation isn’t about to go away. More than that, on its current trajectory, the UK is in danger of dividing a nascent and growing community that now more than ever, needs to be stands united, together.