Francis Brown Engineering Ltd

Jamie Brown, CEO of Stockton-on-Tees fabrication engineering company Francis Brown, said: “As a business that is deeply invested in innovation and growth, I’d like to see the Chancellor prioritise measures which support skills development.

“We need to create more opportunities to attract talent to an industry that is constantly evolving in response to the needs of multiple sectors, including construction, oil and gas and renewables.

“This requires investment in education and training, the creation of a more workable and dynamic apprenticeship programme, and enhanced research and development tax credits.

“Tax incentives or grants for those companies investing in ongoing training and development programmes for their employees will further support the process of upskilling existing staff and attracting new talent by creating additional opportunities for career advancement.”