Institution of Mechanical Engineers responds to news that Britain could be overtaking the US as a hub for engineering start-ups

Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Engineering at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to news from the Royal Academy of Engineering that Britain could be overtaking the United States as a hub for engineering start-ups, but that relatively little of the growth in enterprising activity is taking place outside London:

“News that fewer than one in six engineers based outside the capital have set up their own business shows that Government must do more to provide support for new engineering companies at a localised level. Engineering start-ups must have the right support networks in place providing, financial, incubation opportunities and industry connections to enable new ideas to be translated into reality and to create sustainable supply chains across our regions.

“The UK has fantastic regional capabilities and heritage, from the high-value manufacturing heartlands of the Midlands through to the heavy industry of Wales and the flourishing start-ups of Manchester. Engineering research is already well distributed throughout the UK; it is a national strength and our start-ups, many formed as University spin-outs, should be supported more to ensure the regions can prosper.”

Notes to Editors

• For interview requests and queries contact the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Press Office on 020 7973 1261 or email media@imeche.org.
• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It is one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions. Headquartered in London, we have operations around the world and over 120,000 members in more than 140 countries working at the heart of the most important and dynamic industries such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries.