Make UK, the body representing Britain’s manufacturers, has appointed the Rt Hon Robert Halfon as its new Executive Director for Policy, Membership and External Affairs.
Halfon, who served as MP for Harlow from 2010 to 2024, replaces Ben Fletcher, who has left to take up a chief executive role at another trade body.
The appointment marks a significant move for Make UK, which represents 20,000 manufacturers across the UK. Halfon has been at the forefront of apprenticeships and skills policy throughout his political career, serving twice as Minister of State for Apprenticeships at the Department for Education (2016–2017 and 2022–2024). He also chaired the Education Select Committee and the Make UK Skills Commission, winning recognition as Minister of the Year in 2024 and multiple awards from The Spectator for his campaigning work.
As Apprenticeships Minister, Halfon drove reforms that changed careers advice in schools, launched the Skills for Life campaign, and backed the creation of UCAS for Apprenticeships, giving vocational pathways equal weight to university. He also abolished training costs for SMEs hiring young apprentices, lifted caps on SME apprentice numbers, and legislated for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement to expand adult access to skills.
Commenting on his new role, Halfon said: “I am excited to join Make UK, the most influential business group in the UK representing ‘the makers’ — our manufacturers. I look forward to working with members, supporting policy development, especially on skills, and making sure the Make UK mission is spread far and wide.”
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, welcomed the appointment: “Ben Fletcher has made a huge contribution to our work over the past seven years and we wish him every success in his new role. We are very pleased to have Rob join Make UK and bring his extensive campaigning and policy experience to the benefit of the UK manufacturing sector. Skills shortages are one of the key limitations to economic growth in the UK and Rob’s vast experience as one of the UK’s foremost experts in this area will be hugely beneficial as we work through the implementation of the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.”
Lord Richard Harrington, Chair of Make UK, added: “Rob will bring invaluable knowledge of Westminster and Whitehall that will help Make UK build on its campaigning role for manufacturers across the UK. In particular, his expertise across the skills landscape, especially on apprenticeships, will be vital in helping the sector tackle one of its biggest challenges: building a talent pipeline for the future.”
Make UK, formerly the Engineering Employers’ Federation, acts as the representative voice of UK manufacturing. Its members range from start-ups to multinationals across engineering, technology and industrial sectors, providing training, legal support, and advocacy to help businesses compete, innovate and grow.
Read more:
Former apprenticeships minister Robert Halfon joins Make UK in top policy role