Make UK appoints Lord Harrington as new chair

Make UK said on Thursday that it has appointed Lord Richard Harrington as its new chair, succeeding Lord Hutton, who has chaired the manufacturers’ organisation since 2022.

He will take over the role early next year.

Lord Harrington was MP for Watford from 2010 to 2019 and has held several ministerial positions, including Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and Minister for Business and Industry from 2017 to 2019.

He was appointed Minister of State for Refugees in 2022 where he led the UK’s humanitarian response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Most recently, he was asked by the previous Chancellor to lead a review of the Government’s approach to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the recommendations of which have informed the current Government's recent announcements on a new Investment Minister and 'concierge service' for Foreign Investment into the UK.

Harrington continues to advise the Government on wholesale reform to attract more FDI.

Harrington said: "I’m delighted to take up this appointment at such an important moment for manufacturing. I’m passionate about the sector and its contribution to the UK economy overall and how it will help address the societal challenges we all face.

"Make UK is a powerful voice for industry and I look forward to helping develop its role at the centre of policymaking and providing opportunities for young people in particular."