#189 The UK’s Composites Industry: A Strategic National Asset Driving Innovation and Growth

UK Composites Industry Breaks £14 Billion Barrier – Why It
Matters More Than Ever

Composites UK - Trade Association unveils growth
figures and a bold five-year strategy to secure the UK’s place in
advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

At the Advanced Engineering Show 2025 in Birmingham, Composites
Lounge had the privilege of speaking with David Bailey
FRAeS Ph.D, CEO of Composites UK (CUK), about the state
of the UK composites sector and the association’s forward-looking
strategy.

For the first time, the UK composites industry has surpassed £14
billion in turnover, marking a 4.8% growth year-on-year.
Employment figures are equally impressive, with over 52,000
high-value manufacturing jobs now supported by the sector. These
numbers underscore the critical role composites play across
aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, marine, and
renewables—industries that are central to the UK’s economic
resilience and global competitiveness.

The association’s five-year strategic plan, built on five
pillars:

Policy Engagement – Strengthening ties with UK Government to
secure support for composites as a foundation for clean growth.
Recent initiatives include an All-Party Parliamentary Group for
Materials for Clean Growth and high-level receptions at the
Houses of Parliament.

Workforce Development – Addressing the skills gap through
upskilling programs and attracting new talent into advanced
manufacturing.

Supply Chain & Sustainability – Driving circularity and
decarbonisation across the composites value chain.

Technology & Innovation – Collaborating with academia and the
High Value Manufacturing Catapult to accelerate R&D and
commercialization of next-generation materials.

Events & Exhibitions – Providing platforms for members to
showcase innovation

The roof of this strategy: Sustainability.

CUK is committed to enabling a low-carbon future through advanced
materials that reduce weight, improve durability, and support
electrification and renewable energy systems.

A Business Model Built on Advocacy and Collaboration

As the UK’s leading trade association for fibre-reinforced
polymer composites, Composites UK offers its 380+ members:

Government Influence – Shape policy and industrial strategy
through consultations and lobbying.
Market Intelligence – Access exclusive reports, funding updates,
and technical guidance.
Visibility & Networking – Pavilion stands at major shows,
marketing opportunities, and industry awards.
Sustainability Resources – Tools to reduce carbon footprint and
meet Net-Zero targets.
Skills & Safety – Workforce development programs and health
& safety best practices.

Why It Matters

Composites are not just materials—they are enablers of the UK’s
industrial strategy, clean energy transition, and global
competitiveness. As Bailey emphasized, “Composites are a
Strategic National Asset.” Without them, achieving Net-Zero and
maintaining leadership in advanced manufacturing would be
impossible.

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/DGDIQAjuJaA