Industrial Strategy Workshop

19 February 2026 • 9:00am–12:00pm
Birmingham City University

Join fellow SME manufacturers for a focused workshop aimed at shaping a new Industrial Strategy for SMEs. This session forms part of our nationwide initiative to gather insight from 500 manufacturing businesses, ensuring supply-chain voices are fully represented when we present recommendations to policymakers in early 2026.

This workshop builds on our ongoing industrial survey, which is gathering PMI-scale data from manufacturers across the UK. Insights collected so far will be shared on the day, and participants will help refine the priorities, gaps and opportunities that an SME-led strategy must address.

Agenda

• 9:00am – Arrival, breakfast & networking

• 9:45am – Welcome & introduction – Jason Pitt

• 10:00am – Group activities (tables of 8–10)

• 12:00pm – Close

Why Attend

• Contribute directly to a national strategy designed for SME manufacturers

• Explore findings from our industrial survey (135+ responses so far, targeting 200 before Westminster and 500 nationwide)

• Ensure supply-chain perspectives are reflected in early policy recommendations

• Connect with peers, share challenges, and develop practical ideas for strengthening UK industry

About the Survey

Our 32-question, 10-minute survey is helping build the evidence base for this work. ANT Marketing is supporting national outreach to ensure the study captures views from across the UK. Participants receive early access to findings, optional acknowledgement in the final report, and invitations to regional workshops.