Midland Deburr Calls for Budget to Back British Manufacturing and Cut Industrial Energy Costs

With British manufacturers calling for urgent action on industrial energy prices ahead of the Autumn Budget, Midland Deburr & Finish Managing Director Chris Arrowsmith has urged the Chancellor to deliver meaningful support for the businesses investing in UK manufacturing, protecting skilled employment and strengthening domestic supply chains.

The call follows the publication of the Make UK and RSM Investment Monitor 2026, which reveals growing concern over Britain's industrial competitiveness, with 56% of manufacturers believing the UK has become a less attractive destination for investment over the past three to five years.

For West Midlands-based Midland Deburr & Finish, a specialist provider of vibratory deburring, solvent degreasing, vapour degreasing and precision metal finishing services, the findings reinforce the importance of creating an economic environment that encourages manufacturers to invest, expand production and retain critical engineering capabilities within Britain.

Chris Arrowsmith, Managing Director of Midland Deburr & Finish, believes the Chancellor has an opportunity to demonstrate a genuine commitment to the country's industrial future.

"The UK has an extraordinary manufacturing heritage, supported by generations of engineering knowledge, technical expertise and family businesses that have invested in their people and capabilities," said Arrowsmith.

"We want to see that heritage strengthened through policies that encourage investment, reward enterprise and make Britain an attractive place to manufacture.

"Industrial energy prices have a direct influence on the competitiveness of British businesses. Bringing those costs into line with our international competitors would give manufacturers greater confidence to invest in equipment, expand capacity and create skilled employment."


According to Make UK, Britain continues to face the highest industrial electricity prices in Europe, placing considerable pressure on businesses operating energy-intensive manufacturing processes.

The organisation is calling for electricity policy levies to be transferred into general taxation, alongside an expansion of the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme to cover manufacturers across the sector.

The potential economic benefits are considerable. Among manufacturers considering major capacity increases over the next 12 to 24 months, 62% would prefer to prioritise investment in the UK.

Arrowsmith believes these figures demonstrate the willingness of British industry to contribute to economic growth, provided the government creates the right conditions.

"Manufacturers are ready to play their part in growing the British economy. Across the Midlands, we have businesses producing exceptional engineering products and supplying customers in some of the world's most demanding industries.

"Every investment in machinery, technology and skills helps strengthen that industrial base. We would like to see the Budget recognise the contribution these businesses make and give them the confidence to plan for the future."


At Midland Deburr & Finish, specialist metal finishing and component cleaning services play an essential role in supporting manufacturers producing precision-engineered parts, pressings, castings and machined components.

The company's vibratory deburring services help manufacturers achieve consistent component finishes, removing burrs and sharp edges generated during machining, pressing and other production operations.

Through controlled vibratory finishing processes, components can be processed to achieve the surface characteristics required for subsequent manufacturing, assembly and finishing operations.

Alongside its deburring capabilities, Midland Deburr & Finish provides industrial solvent degreasing and vapour degreasing, supporting manufacturers requiring effective removal of machining oils, cutting fluids, grease and other process contaminants.

Its specialist cleaning capabilities include the processing of components up to three metres in length and weighing up to 500kg, providing capacity for a wide range of engineering applications.

The business also offers ultrasonic cleaning, barrel tumbling and impregnation services, helping customers manage critical finishing and cleaning requirements through an established UK specialist.

Arrowsmith believes maintaining these capabilities domestically is an important part of securing the future of British manufacturing.

"When people think about manufacturing investment, they naturally picture new factories, advanced CNC machinery and automated production lines. Behind those investments sits a substantial network of specialist engineering businesses providing the processes that allow finished components to meet customer requirements.

"Vibratory deburring, solvent degreasing and vapour degreasing are important stages in manufacturing. They help our customers achieve the component cleanliness, surface finish and consistency required throughout their production processes.

"Supporting businesses throughout this supply chain strengthens British manufacturing as a whole and helps UK companies compete for work in international markets."

The Make UK and RSM report also highlights the growing importance of investment in manufacturing technology.

Average expenditure on plant and machinery has declined from 6.8% to 6.4% of turnover, while research and development spending has fallen from 6.2% to 5.1%.

Meanwhile, 41% of manufacturers now identify artificial intelligence as an investment priority, compared with 27% last year.

For Arrowsmith, encouraging productivity improvements must form part of a wider industrial strategy that recognises the contribution of established engineering processes and the specialist businesses delivering them.

"Technology and innovation will continue to shape the future of manufacturing, and British companies need the confidence to invest in the equipment and expertise that keep them competitive.

"That investment extends throughout the supply chain, from the companies machining and forming components to the specialists providing precision finishing, cleaning and other essential engineering services.

"With the right support, British manufacturing can build on its existing strengths and create opportunities for the next generation of engineers."
Alongside energy reform, Make UK has called for changes to employers' National Insurance contributions, additional support for younger workers and an expansion of the Made Smarter programme to encourage technology adoption and energy efficiency.

With 35% of manufacturers identifying a supportive tax environment as a factor that would encourage further investment, the Autumn Budget presents an opportunity to influence future industrial spending decisions.

Midland Deburr & Finish believes policies that improve energy competitiveness, encourage capital investment and support skilled employment would provide a valuable foundation for growth across the UK's manufacturing supply chain.

Arrowsmith concluded:

"Britain has the engineering talent, manufacturing experience and industrial capability to achieve much more. We have companies with the ambition to grow, customers who value British engineering and a supply chain that has demonstrated its resilience over many years.

"The Chancellor now has an opportunity to put manufacturing at the centre of Britain's economic ambitions.

"Cut industrial energy costs, encourage investment and back the businesses that make things in Britain. That is how we strengthen our industrial future and create lasting economic growth."