Three months ago, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders boss Mike Hawes said it “felt like you were being punched on all sides”.
But the government’s new UK Modern Industrial Strategy is one of a number of developments that makes Hawes “a bit more optimistic” about the future.
An automotive-specific trade deal with the Trump administration – the only one signed and in force of its kind in the world – is another reason for hope. People have even stopped asking him about Brexit…
Hawes credits this government, and in particular business secretary Jonathan Reynolds, for giving meaningful support to the industry.
