Tag Archives: #uk

Building an #innovative economy

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Here in the UK we hear lots about the need to grow the economy but a lot less about how to do it.

If we want to develop an innovative society we need look no further than Silicon Valley which is the most successful example on earth.

Silicon Valley has key attributes which are key to its success in generating billions of dollars in revenue & employing thousands of talented Engineers who earn enviable salaries. These attributes are not immediately obvious:-

  • It may surprise many to learn that Silicon Valley has a strong military connection particularly with the U.S Navy, many early innovations were as a result of collaboration on Radio & communications systems leading to the Arpanet the direct forerunner of todays Internet. Some of today’s smartest innovative individuals work in the Defence Industry so it would be obvious to cultivate those links.
  • The presence of an Internationally renowned eduction establishment – Princeton – has been key to the ‘Valleys’ success. Princeton has developed & encouraged technically educated entrepreneurs to start & grow numerous successful enterprises.The U.K has some of the world’s leading Institutes, unfortunately recent government policy seems to make it increasingly unviable to survive economically as a Student so the reversal of that trend is another positive.
  • People may be surprised to learn that Silicon Valley is the home to numerous large Law firms whose accessibility has allowed start ups to quickly resolve disputes & grow rapidly. We can learn a lot here.
  • Over 30% of SV residents are immigrants. The ability to welcome International migrants who are highly skilled & educated creating a multinational society of entrepreneurs & Engineers is a key component to success. This requires a sensible proactive immigration/visa policy which addresses the need for skilled Engineers whilst improving our domestic training & development policies.
  • There are many Venture Capital firms in the area which provide key access to funding to ensure prosperity & growth. This seems to be a major gap in the UK where the access to venture capital is constrained.

All of these key components are essential if an Innovative Society is to thrive & grow generating huge revenue & employment prospects.

Chris@amberhill.biz

www.amberhill.biz

#Innovation is key

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Earlier this week the UK Society of Motor Manufacturers reported UK cars built had declined by 11.9% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year, a result of challenging global markets & uncertainty over tariffs.

Some reports suggested this was the lowest output since 1953!

The graph below illustrates how UK manufacturing has flatlined since the early 1990’s compared to the stratospheric growth from China.

In the ‘80’s & ‘90’s western manufactures began entering into joint ventures with their Chinese counterparts in order to gain access to the China market but, playing the long game the Chinese government insisted foreign companies should hold no more than 50% of any joint venture & the transfer of technical knowledge started in earnest.

Today we are beginning to see (mainly electric) Chinese cars on UK streets which offer exceptional value for money & quality standards unforeseen a few years ago.

However that isn’t the whole story. If we look at UK sales value (adjusted for inflation) we see a steady increase (excluding the 2008 financial crisis & more notably Covid) to the present as UK manufacturers move up the value chain & producing more vehicles for the high end customer.

If UK makers continue this trend the future, despite the negative headlines is bright.

As usual #Innovation is the key.

Chris@amberhill.biz

www.amberhill.biz