Latest news with #SeamusNevin
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
UK manufacturers fall behind global rivals in automation adoption
LONDON: British manufacturing firms have slipped behind international competitors over the past 20 years due to poor adoption of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. A report by Make UK and Sage revealed the UK's weak performance in robotics and AI implementation, with digital skills training failing to meet industry needs. Nearly 50% of UK manufacturers cited a lack of technical skills as the main barrier to adopting advanced technologies. Many automation projects stall after implementation because companies struggle to find the expertise needed to optimise new systems. Make UK chief economist Seamus Nevin said small and medium-sized manufacturers face fragmented support and complex funding systems when trying to adopt new technologies. 'If we want to unlock a £150 billion boost to UK GDP by 2035, we must make it easier for SMEs to adopt automation and AI,' Nevin added. A government spokesperson said measures are being taken to remove growth barriers, including through the AI opportunities action plan. The UK's modern industrial strategy includes plans to drive investment and ensure the country remains a top business destination. – Bernama-dpa
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
British manufacturers lagging behind global competitors on automation
LONDON: British manufacturing companies have been lagging behind international competitors over the last two decades, falling down global automation tables, German News Agency (dpa) reported. According to a report by Make UK and Sage, use of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) systems was poor, with training of people in relevant digital skills well below what is needed to catch up. It also said nearly half of British manufacturers identify a lack of technical skills as the biggest hurdle to improving their use of innovative advanced technologies. Projects which do start often stall after the implementation stage because companies cannot find the help and advice they need to make the technologies work well. Seamus Nevin, chief economist at Make UK said: "Time and again, we hear from small and medium-sized manufacturers that they're keen to adopt new technologies but are being held back by fragmented support, complex funding systems, and a lack of accessible, appropriate digital skills training." "If we want to unlock a £150 billion (US$203 billion) boost to UK GDP by 2035, we must make it easier for (small and medium-sized enterprises) to adopt automation and AI." A government spokesperson said: "We are taking a range of actions to remove the barriers holding back growth and unleash the potential of AI in our economy, including through the AI opportunities action plan." "Our modern industrial strategy has also introduced ambitious plans to drive growth and investment across the UK, and our Plan for Change will ensure our country continues to be the best place to invest and do business."
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
British manufacturers lagging behind international competitors on automation
Use of robotics and AI systems was poor, with training of people in relevant digital skills well below what is needed to catch up, it was warned. The report by Make UK and Sage said nearly half of British manufacturers identify a lack of technical skills as the biggest hurdle to improving their use of innovative advanced technologies. Projects which do start often stall after implementation stage, because companies cannot find the help and advice they need to make the technologies work well. Seamus Nevin, chief economist at Make UK said: 'Time and again, we hear from small and medium-sized manufacturers that they're keen to adopt new technologies, but are being held back by fragmented support, complex funding systems, and a lack of accessible, appropriate digital skills training. 'If we want to unlock a £150 billion boost to UK GDP by 2035, we must make it easier for SMEs to adopt automation and AI.' A Government spokesperson said: 'We are taking a range of actions to remove the barriers holding back growth and unleash the potential of AI in our economy, including through the AI opportunities action plan. 'Our modern industrial strategy has also introduced ambitious plans to drive growth and investment across the UK, and our Plan for Change will ensure our country continues to be the best place to invest and do business.'
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
British manufacturers lagging behind international competitors on automation
Use of robotics and AI systems was poor, with training of people in relevant digital skills well below what is needed to catch up, it was warned. The report by Make UK and Sage said nearly half of British manufacturers identify a lack of technical skills as the biggest hurdle to improving their use of innovative advanced technologies. Projects which do start often stall after implementation stage, because companies cannot find the help and advice they need to make the technologies work well. Seamus Nevin, chief economist at Make UK said: 'Time and again, we hear from small and medium-sized manufacturers that they're keen to adopt new technologies, but are being held back by fragmented support, complex funding systems, and a lack of accessible, appropriate digital skills training. 'If we want to unlock a £150 billion boost to UK GDP by 2035, we must make it easier for SMEs to adopt automation and AI.' A Government spokesperson said: 'We are taking a range of actions to remove the barriers holding back growth and unleash the potential of AI in our economy, including through the AI opportunities action plan. 'Our modern industrial strategy has also introduced ambitious plans to drive growth and investment across the UK, and our Plan for Change will ensure our country continues to be the best place to invest and do business.'
North Wales Chronicle
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
British manufacturers lagging behind international competitors on automation
Use of robotics and AI systems was poor, with training of people in relevant digital skills well below what is needed to catch up, it was warned. The report by Make UK and Sage said nearly half of British manufacturers identify a lack of technical skills as the biggest hurdle to improving their use of innovative advanced technologies. Projects which do start often stall after implementation stage, because companies cannot find the help and advice they need to make the technologies work well. Seamus Nevin, chief economist at Make UK said: 'Time and again, we hear from small and medium-sized manufacturers that they're keen to adopt new technologies, but are being held back by fragmented support, complex funding systems, and a lack of accessible, appropriate digital skills training. 'If we want to unlock a £150 billion boost to UK GDP by 2035, we must make it easier for SMEs to adopt automation and AI.' A Government spokesperson said: 'We are taking a range of actions to remove the barriers holding back growth and unleash the potential of AI in our economy, including through the AI opportunities action plan. 'Our modern industrial strategy has also introduced ambitious plans to drive growth and investment across the UK, and our Plan for Change will ensure our country continues to be the best place to invest and do business.'
