The Manufacturer has announced a new strategic partnership with global recruitment specialists, Michael Page, to address the chronic skills issues faced by the UK manufacturing sector.

The multi-channel partnership will bolster the premier industry publication’s market leading news, features, insights and events programmes, while continuing to promote best practice for manufacturing boardrooms and senior management in the manufacturing industry.

The partnership comes as global macro issues like COVID-19, Brexit and global political instability further exacerbate pressure on an already skills-short sector. The strategic alliance will seek to combat the challenges facing the manufacturing industry from a skills perspective and provide the tools to help it thrive by attracting new talent that taps in to more modern, digitalised ways of working.

Director of The Manufacturer, Henry Anson, said: “We simply must encourage more people into the manufacturing sector, particularly those with forward thinking ideas and desirable digital skillsets. The industry needs to embrace the opportunities afforded by a more digitalised and connected world. That’s why I am so pleased that Michael Page, with its unrivalled experience and impressive heritage in the manufacturing recruitment space, is joining forces with us to offer practical advice, expertise and guidance to our audience.”

Michael Page will be the headline sponsor of The Manufacturer Top 100 programme, which recognises the heroes of UK manufacturing who stand out for their contribution to the changing face of the industry. It will also sponsor the People and Skills category in The Manufacturer MX Awards (TMMX) and be a regular contributor of thought leadership and industry insight in columns, articles and on The Manufacturer’s podcast.

Henry continued: “I am delighted to be working with an organisation with the pedigree of Michael Page on the incredibly important and fundamental issue of drawing new, crucial skills to the sector. I am sure that together we can shift the dial on the perception of manufacturing as a long-term, secure, well paid and vibrant sector to work in.”

Doug Rode, UK&I Managing Director at Michael Page, added: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by such a respected institution as the recruitment partner of choice for the manufacturing sector in the UK. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and the power of humans to drive success, The Manufacturer reflects our own values here at Michael Page. It’s a privilege to work with them on both celebrating and raising the profile of the talent in the manufacturing sector.