23 June 2025
NCC welcomes the Government’s new Industrial Strategy and is committed to delivering on its ambitions.
Recognised by the Government as being the ‘highest growth opportunity areas for the economy and business’ the Industrial Strategy focuses on key sectors - ‘advanced manufacturing, aerospace, clean energy, defence and digital technologies’.
The Industrial Strategy goes as far as to commit to “scaling up R&D in composites, including through support for government-backed centres such as the National Composite Centre [NCC] in Bristol.”
Responding to the Strategy’s publication, Richard Oldfield, Chief Executive Officer for NCC said:
"Already an innovation partner to industry, we are expanding our capabilities to deliver more impact for the nation. This includes collaborating to develop the future materials, products and processes that will secure UK technology leadership for next-generation aircraft platforms and anchor future industries in support of the UK’s energy transition. The Alliance between the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and MOD announced [today] is also testament to NCC’s status as a centre of excellence for defence innovation.”
"Proud to be part of University of Bristol and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, NCC is expanding its capabilities in advanced materials and digital & AI to deliver UK industry a competitive edge.
“NCC leads the way in the industrial application of digital engineering. There is an opportunity to drive further transformation through the application of AI and to solve some of the most complex engineering challenges. That’s why NCC is proud to host the UK’s fastest supercomputer – Isambard AI. NCC is also creating sovereign advanced material capability, announcing the location of the UK’s open-access Carbon Fibre Development Facility in the North West, connecting a leading chemical and materials cluster, and – facilitated by NCC - the West of England’s leadership in advanced engineering.”
Reflecting on the importance of place within the Strategy, Richard said:
“Over two thirds of the SMEs we work with are in the West of England. NCC is committed to working with regional partners to support their growth potential, as well as to connect and scale what is a nationally significant innovation cluster.”
Launching the Strategy, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said:
“This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past. This is how we power Britain’s future - by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear - Britain is back and open for business.”
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said:
“Universities are going to be key to the delivery of the Industrial Strategy and we are excited to play our part. We are already working closely with industry partners and national innovation assets like NCC to boost growth across priority sectors, with the new Isambard AI supercomputer just one example of how we’re driving innovation. Our new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, opening next year, will cement our place at the heart of the regional and national innovation ecosystem, providing a vital source of talent, skills, ideas, technology, expertise and partnerships.”
Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, said:
"The publication of the modern industrial strategy is a pivotal step towards transforming the UK into an industrial powerhouse. The High Value Manufacturing Catapult has a proven track record of turning policy into progress, investing more than £1 billion in a nationwide network of research and development facilities. We now have the opportunity to go further and faster, scaling our impact in the regions in which we operate and deepening our commitment to driving national economic growth.
"As partners to government we have helped shape the strategy and the advanced manufacturing sector plan. We now look forward to supporting delivery to ensure the UK has the people, the places and the potential to be a net zero manufacturing superpower."
NCC is committed to innovation that delivers industrial impact, transforming today’s growth driving sectors and creating tomorrow’s.