Shropshire Star

Boss calls for buy-British campaign

A Shropshire business leader is calling for the Government to take a leaf out of Donald Trump's book by putting Britain first in the wake of Brexit.

Published
Chris Greenough

Chris Greenough, commercial director of Shrewsbury-based Salop Design and Engineering, said the Government should adopt a 'buy British' policy to support manufacturing and innovation in the UK.

He warned Britain would soon find itself in a recession if it did not adopt a more positive tone.

Mr Greenough, whose company manufactures pressings for the car industry, this week launched a campaign called Support UK Manufacturing (Sum). He said he would be writing to the Prime Minister and Shropshire MPs asking for their support, and had already spoken to the neighbouring Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.

He has also produced three posters to promote the campaign.

Mr Greenough said: "We face unprecedented pressure in these Brexit times, and this pressure is further exacerbated by a policy that is unclear on diesels, electrification and the overall industrial strategy.

"We have only five months until Brexit, and without clear and positive messages, we will end up in a recession, that will affect everyone."

Mr Greenough said Britain had first-class businesses, innovators and characters that made a real difference to the economy.

"These people need to be supported, promoted and involved," he said.

"My ask to Government and Theresa May is to take the lead, as other countries have, learn lessons on nationalism from America and others who are pushing their own economies and their own manufacturing sectors.

"Let's promote a policy of buy from the UK, make in the UK, and help protect our jobs and our economy."

He also called on consumers to put their country first.

"We should also ask every consumer in this country to look at every product they buy, and ask the question: 'How much of this product is UK manufactured, and how much is this adding to our economy and protecting our jobs?'."

His comments echo a previous call made by North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson, who called for Government departments to adopt a 'buy British' policy when Britain leaves the EU.

Mr Greenough added: "We will survive, and indeed thrive after Brexit, but this journey will be made easier with a clear and concise message."