Enginuity launches new Policy Centre to champion Supply Chain and SMEs

Enginuity is proud to announce the launch of The Policy Centre for Supply Chain and SMEs. This is a major new initiative to ensure that the collective voice of the UK's SMEs and the supply chain is heard, understood, and acted upon at the highest levels of national policymaking. 

SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy, comprising over 90% of the manufacturing sector. Despite their fundamental role in national economic strength, too often their experiences and needs are underrepresented when policy is shaped. In a turbulent political and economic climate, this Policy Centre aims to move the conversation about SMEs beyond anecdote, creating a credible, data-driven force to inform government thinking. 

The Policy Centre will be an independent convener for industry, policy organisations, sector collaborators, and government, whose purpose is to ensure that policy solutions address the skills gap and enable productivity and sustainable growth in engineering and manufacturing. 

From experience to evidence 

Enginuity's approach is underpinned by decades of expertise, marrying deep knowledge of skills challenges with unique sector data. Like the charity, The Policy Centre will be impact-driven and solution-agnostic, committed to doing what is right for SMEs and the supply chain. Here’s how we’ll support our stakeholders: 

• Amplifying the voice of SMEs: The Centre will continue sourcing evidence and insight directly from SMEs through the SME Advisory Council, SME Snapshot survey, and other means, so their priorities can inform policy.  
• Constructive ally to the Government: As an independent charity, the Policy Centre will provide the Government with robust, data-driven insight into the skills challenges and opportunities facing the sector.  
• Stronger together with collaborators: Recognising that one message with many voices is louder, the Centre will be proactive in its collaboration with membership organisations, trade bodies, sector networks, and large employers. 

Using data for impact 

Early activity has already focused on key national priorities including: ensuring the Advanced Manufacturing Plan and Industrial Strategy fully reflect the contribution of SMEs; encouraging government to begin exploratory work on the benefits of a skills tax credit to boost employer investment in training; and emphasising the importance of balancing government's commitment to introducing greater flexibility to the Growth and Skills Levy without compromising SME access to levy funds for apprenticeships 

To support this ongoing evidence gathering, the Policy Centre runs the SME Snapshot, a bi-annual survey capturing how SMEs are responding to economic and policy developments. 

We encourage SMEs to register for updates and participate in our latest survey launching on 26 January 2026. 

Driving positive change 

Ann Watson, CEO of Enginuity, said: “SMEs are the lifeblood of the UK economy yet often fail to be heard by those making policy in key areas at the heart of government – and those honing policy need to listen. Effective government policy depends on meaningful engagement with the people and organisations whose insights and experience are essential to its success. 

“SMEs are huge in number, but that can mean that they can be difficult to identify and engage, and their individual voices lack unification, amplification and clarity. This is where Enginuity’s Policy Centre can really come into its own, creating the epicentre between SMEs, Government and others, ensuring that positive and productive engagement and dialogue take place.” 

Mike Reader MP added: “Congratulations to Enginuity for setting up the Policy Centre – it’s a big step forward, and I’m proud to be part of that journey with you.  

“I’m so pleased to see the Policy Centre is being launched to give SME’s a voice in how we develop the skills agenda and opportunities within our industry. Quite often SMEs don’t have that seat at the top table, the Policy Centre is going to provide that route to engage with government and make sure that the [policies and outcomes delivered meet the broad SME needs.” 

The launch marks a major step in placing SME and supply chain needs at the centre of UK  policy, ensuring businesses of every size have access to the talent they need to thrive. 

Policymakers, partners, and businesses interested in supporting or collaborating with SMEs and the supply chain are encouraged to contact The Policy Centre using the forms on the webpage.

Learn more and get involved