Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Dr Vince Cable MP discussed the Liberal Democrats’ commitment to supporting long-term thinking for the UK automotive industry at the Party Conference in Glasgow today.
Dr Cable was speaking at the joint SMMT and ADS breakfast roundtable, where he praised the success of government’s partnerships with the automotive and aerospace industries. The minister noted his support for long-term industrial strategies such as these.
On the topic of Europe, Dr Cable stated the Liberal Democrats’ wish for the UK continuing to be a member of the EU. He emphasised the necessity for businesses to make their case, as the automotive industry has done with the SMMT and KPMG ‘UK Automotive and the EU’ report.
The minister highlighted the success of apprenticeships in the automotive industry, adding that the quality of these positions, as well as engagement with SMEs, are important areas of improvement for the future.
Attendees at the event also discussed key issues facing the industry, such as the need to reform business rates in order to encourage investment, the importance of strengthening the supply chain and the use of Catapults for success in the automotive sector.