Driving Manufacturing Innovation: How Automate UK Supports a Smarter Industrial Future

There’s no denying the evolution of the UK’s manufacturing sector, with all regions across England, Scotland, and Wales having exceeded pre-pandemic output levels in 2025. 12,000 new manufacturing jobs have been created, with innovation driving the growth. We’ve also seen the increased adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, with smart factories and adaptive production lines becoming the norm.

As the leading trade association for automation suppliers and technology end users, Automate UK has a key role to play in supporting a smarter industrial future. Read on as we highlight the full scope of our support here.

Information and Knowledge Sharing

Delivering Valuable Content

Automate UK’s core purpose is to ensure that automation is at the heart of a thriving manufacturing industry in the UK and beyond. This is partly achieved through the sharing of relevant and up-to-date information in our online and offline publications. Machinery Update is a prime source of information for buyers and specifiers across the processing and packaging industry.

We strive to ensure that all of the information shared by Automate UK is timely and accurate for industry leaders and stakeholders. This helps in making the kinds of informed decisions that are bound to drive the UK’s manufacturing sector forward.

Campaigning for Positive Industry Change

As the partner of choice for 550+ members, Automate UK has a major presence and influence on those making decisions shaping the industrial future. This is reflected in our lobbying of the UK government to ensure that automation is central to policy. We advise on challenges and strategies, guiding regulatory and technical decisions for the benefit of our members and the wider industry.

Launched at BARA’s inaugural Automation UK exhibition in 2023, the Manifesto for Automation sets out the vital importance of automation in developing the UK’s manufacturing sector. From the shortage of skilled workers to the slow pace of robot adoption, it highlights a range of industrial challenges and how they can be overcome with government support. We also continue to work in partnership with organisations such as the PPMA and UKIVA, aiming to break down regulatory barriers and enhance industry competitiveness.

Tackling the Skills Shortage

Practical Support and Grants

As mentioned, Automate UK is committed to tackling the skills shortage, ensuring the increased availability of quality staff for businesses across all sectors of manufacturing. This is a clear issue, with 92% of manufacturing SMEs reporting skills gaps heading into 2025, particularly in entry-level and specialist roles. Automate UK aims to close such gaps with a variety of apprenticeships and upskilling grants. Such support is offered through Automate BEST, with companies looking to hire apprentices for the first time invited to apply for apprenticeship grants of up to £2,000.

Promoting Career Progression

Organised in partnership with Automate UK, the apprenticeships are designed to provide STEM-focused learners with the knowledge and skills to support a thriving UK manufacturing sector. Members also stand to benefit from access to training courses covering a range of topics, including leadership, marketing, and the effective use of AI. Such training is key for the nurturing of talent and support of long-term career development across the manufacturing sector.

Empowering Informed Technology Decisions

Insight and Access to Trends & Technologies

Together with the regular publications, Automate UK helps members to stay ahead of the latest technology roadmaps and sector trends through access to world-class events and networking. For instance, there’s the offer of free tickets to the PPMA Total Show, which will be held at Birmingham’s NEC from the 23rd to the 25th of September. Promising BIG names, BIG innovations, and BIG opportunities, this must-attend event will feature exhibitions of the latest in machinery, robotics, vision systems, and automation, all under one roof. With more than 7,500 visitors, the PPMA Show will also be a chance to make key industry contacts.

Automation and Vision UK will also provide the opportunity to get up close to the latest innovations in automation, robotics, and vision technology.

Focus Groups & Thought Leadership

The benefits of Automate UK membership continue, with the arrangement of focus groups giving industry experts the chance to influence future technologies and standards. Regular online webinars and networking sessions are held, providing the opportunity to discuss key topics such as AI, digital twins, supply chain resilience, and sustainability. And we maintain a dedicated resource hub, complete with articles, technical guidance, and analysis to foster the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Automate UK Leads The Way

From the navigation of complex regulations to the smooth adoption of new technologies, the Automate UK members enjoy a range of benefits. We share key knowledge and industry insights across our range of publications, giving guidance on how best to overcome challenges within the UK manufacturing sector. Our training and skill development initiatives also help in tackling workforce shortages, ensuring the availability of staff for higher levels of productivity and innovation. There are opportunities for mutual learning through the sharing of success stories and case studies. And we provide practical support on automation investment, helping the UK’s manufacturers to realise the value of innovation.

Given such a range of benefits, there’s every reason to register for Automate UK membership. Together, we’ll shape a smart industrial future.