New body will champion UK manufacturing and engineering SMEs
26 November 2025 
An independent body has been established to give more than 325,000 UK SMEs operating in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, a voice in the corridors of power
The Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs has been set up by Enginuity – the former Sector Skills Council – to bring together industry leaders, sector bodies, policymakers, and government, and to ensure that the realities facing British SMEs are not just heard, but drive meaningful change, at the highest level
The Centre’s mission is to unify and amplify the SMEs’ voices as an independent arbiter that will bring together industry, trade bodies, policy organisations and government to collaborate on the skills and policy priorities needed to support a thriving and resilient supply chain.
“SMEs are the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet often fail to be heard by those making policy in key areas at the heart of government,” says Enginuity CEO, Ann Watson. “And those honing policy need to listen.
“Effective government policy depends on meaningful engagement with the people and organisations whose insights and experience are essential to its success,” she adds. “SMEs are huge in number, but that can mean that they can be difficult to identify and engage and their individual voices lacks unification, amplification and clarity.
“This is where Enginuity’s Policy Centre can really come in to its own, creating the epicentre between SMEs, Government and others, ensuring that positive and productive engagement and dialogue takes place.”
Enginuity says the Policy Centre will work as a constructive ally and critical friend to the UK Government, supporting efforts to future-proof British manufacturing and engineering. By advocating for policies and skills development that reflect the real-world needs of SMEs, the Centre aims to help create a thriving, resilient industrial base that underpins the UK’s growth ambitions.
Through advocacy, campaigns and direct engagement, SMEs will have new opportunities to influence decision-makers and see their input translated into tangible outcomes. The Centre will also provide guidance to help businesses navigate policy changes and contribute to evidence-led dialogue.
“By gathering robust data, conducting research, and fostering honest dialogue, the Policy Centre will provide evidence-based recommendations to shape policies that strengthen SMEs and reinforce the UK supply chain,” says Watson. “We are here to do what’s right for SME’s and the supply chain-giving them a platform and the influence they deserve.
“Our approach is collaborative and impact driven. We believe that by bringing together industry, sector networks, membership organisations, and large employers, we can align priorities, amplify influence, and tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges together.”
Andrea Wilson, managing director of the Leighton Buzzard based deep-hole boring specialist Hone-All Precision, welcomes the formation of the Policy Centre, saying: “For over 30 years, the needs of UK manufacturing SMEs have not been heard by Government and as a result, we have a skills system that doesn’t serve us, a support system that doesn’t sustain us, and a regulatory environment that stifles our potential.
“SMEs represent over 99% of all UK manufacturing companies,” she adds. “We are the backbone of British industry and the lifeblood of the economy. We need a voice shouting for what we need. More than that, we deserve a voice willing to challenge what was, create what can be, and really drive positive change for us, our people and our businesses.”
Enginuity: LinkedIn
