Advanced Manufacturing

The UK is home to one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the world — and it is being transformed. As industry decarbonises and digitises, this government is making a major investment in the UK’s automotive manufacturing base, backing British factories, British workers and the next generation of advanced technologies.

The Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan sets out how we are backing British industry: expanding electric vehicle supply chains from the West Midlands to the North East, helping SMEs adopt robotics and automation, and removing barriers so UK manufacturers can invest, grow and compete on the world stage.

What this means in practice:

  • £500m of collaborative R&D funding awarded through Advanced Manufacturing programmes delivered by UK research and innovation (UKRI).
  • Investing £4bn to 2035 through DRIVE35 — supporting zero emission vehicle manufacturing from established manufacturers to start-ups.
  • £116m funding for firms to access advice and training, through the Made Smarter Programme, supporting 5,500 SMEs.
  • £22m awarded for next‑generation battery technology and supply chain capability, with a £25m Round 2 launched.

These are not one-off decisions. They are part of a long-term plan — giving advanced manufacturing businesses the confidence to invest, hire and grow.

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Scott Winston Managing Director & Chief Science and Sustainability Officer, Pulpex

'Securing funding from the National Wealth Fund facilitated the construction of our first commercial factory in Glasgow. The changes introduced by the government’s Industrial Strategy, such as removing blockers to investment and growth have enabled investors to support UK businesses like ours more confidently.'

Sector and Jobs Plans

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The Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan sets out the joined-up decisions government is making on investment, supply chains, skills and decarbonisation — giving manufacturers the stability they need to make long-term decisions

Sector Planopens assets.publishing.service.gov.uk in a new tab
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The Advanced Manufacturing Jobs Plan will be published this summer. It sets out how government and industry will work together to build the skills pipeline and create thousands of secure, well-paid jobs across the sector.

A targeted mix of support for the sector

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DRIVE35

The long-term automotive transformation programme supporting electric vehicle manufacturing, batteries, supply chains and zero emission vehicle R&D — backed by £4 billion to 2035.

Funding is openopens www.apcuk.co.uk in a new tab
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Made Smarter

Grants and expert support to help SMEs adopt advanced technologies including robotics, AI, automation and digital twins — with £116 million available to support 5,500 businesses.

Find out moreopens www.madesmarter.uk in a new tab
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Industrial Strategy Growth Capital

The £4 billion Growth Capital programme provides investment support for high-potential advanced manufacturing startups and scale-ups.

British Business Bankopens www.british-business-bank.co.uk in a new tab
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National Wealth Fund

Whether you are scaling an EV supply chain business, developing next-generation battery technology or looking to adopt industrial digital technologies, there is a range of support.

Find out moreopens www.nationalwealthfund.org.uk in a new tab

Support to scale your business

Access a broad package of support designed to help businesses scale more quickly, at lower cost, and with greater ease, including:

  • • Step-by-step guidance through the practical steps to scale your business
  • • Overview of funding, grants and financial incentives available
  • • Information on events and networks relevant to the business sector and industry

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