Post-Covid recovery hopes and government efforts to be a zero carbon aviation pioneer are giving a boost to UK commercial aerospace, with the war in Ukraine certain to increase defence spending.

Skills forged in the shipyards and collieries are still prevalent across an industry that is constantly evolving to exceed the needs of a challenging global marketplace.

PP C&A is one of the West Midlands’ fastest growing manufacturers, employing over 230 people at its facility close to Cannock.

Naylor Industries is a fourth-generation family business based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, which manufactures products out of clay, plastic and concrete.

Investments from both companies and the UK government aim to accelerate new drug discovery and speed of manufacture as the industry increasingly prioritises agility and personalised medicines.

Investments in modernisation, an improved build process, and a new national strategy are helping move the UK’s marine industry out of choppy waters and into calmer seas. But there is still much work to be done if businesses wish to take full advantage of future opportunities.

The diversity of the manufacturing sector across the East of England means things are getting back to full capacity more quickly than in some other parts of the country.