The UK manufacturing industry is "misunderstood" according to the new Confederation of British Industry's Manufacturing Council chairman.

Andrew Reynolds Smith claims the industry deserves greater credit for its recent success thanks to the government providing a flexible workforce and stable business environment, however it needs to continue to be globally competitive.

He has hit out at criticisms of the industry and suggested it is a growing sector offering many opportunities.

Mr Reynolds Smtih said: “Manufacturing is misunderstood. Public opinion is of a small, declining sector, owned by foreigners and on the brink of being totally offshored to China.

“But in fact there are over 150,000 businesses that manufacture in the UK, turning over £500bn. Last year they accounted for 60% of UK exports, worth £220bn - which is an increase on the previous year. And 21 of the FTSE 100 manufacture goods including pharmaceuticals, machinery and food.”

He added: “Manufacturing is no longer just about a factory floor. We must stop thinking of manufacturing companies, and think of ‘businesses that manufacture'. Research creates new ideas, which are then developed and designed into products, which have to be made, sold, shipped and serviced.