Government must put its money where its mouth is

The Government has thrown its weight behind an all electric car that will be designed and developed solely in the UK.

It is an encouraging gesture that not only shows the Government has faith in UK design engineering nous, but that it is also prepared to put its money where its mouth is and get in on the ground floor. Early investment in developing technologies has not traditionally been something the UK has excelled at. Even when an idea is developed, the global potential is often not well exploited. But these are unusual times. It has become clear - even to those holding the purse strings -that investment in engineering design is essential to keep adding value to the economy. Unlike the banking sector, it is not about gambling to make the quick buck, but about long term development in one of the UK's key strengths and assets; technology development and innovation. If the UK is to remain an affluent economy, we must see more investment and high profile backing to reinforce the Government's faith in industry to create wealth.