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Last week, SMMTpublished the latest commercial vehicle production figures for January. Output was down 68.6% compared with the previous year, as 2,166 commercial vehicles rolled off production lines. Output has fallen for the 10^th consecutive month, as we continue to see the impact of major plant restructuring in LCV and bus production.

Truck production is also of course a core part of the UK’s CV output, and last week I had the pleasure of visiting where 15,000 HGVs were built last year – Leyland Trucks – joining a roundtable Secretary of State for the Department for Works and Pensions, Pat McFadden MP, focused on manufacturing and the Government’s new Youth Guarantee programme.

The CV industry heavily invests in apprentices – and it’s heartening that government recognises the contribution made by CV manufacturers in training the next generation, by selecting a key truck manufacturing hub as the host for its roundtable. With £1.5 billion of investment rolling out over the next three years – including includes £820 million specifically for the Youth Guarantee and £725 million for the Growth and Skills Levy – it’s vital support that our industry can access and use for growth.

Many CV manufacturers are already investing in training facilities to upskill the next generation and unlock pipelines of top talent. This commitment is vital, helping to position the UK as a compelling, competitive place in which to build commercial vehicles with skilled labour. This forward-thinking approach – looking at the potential of tomorrow, rather than focusing exclusively on the circumstances of today – will be crucial to drive growth.