Michela is the founder and Chief Executive of Techne UK and Tecnè Italia and has more than 20 years of experience in data, consulting and public affairs.
She is a leading expert in institutional relations and industrial operations, with an in-depth knowledge of territorial dynamics. High-level skills in institutional and trade union relations, crisis management and business development.
She has advised clients at the very highest levels of governments, public authorities, companies, media, banks and financial institutions as a trusted partner, and is recognised as one of the industry’s leaders. Frequently asked to give her views on the media in different countries, Michela speaks five languages – Italian, English, German, French and Russian.
She is also a member of the Society of Leadership Fellows, St. George’s House, Windsor.
We met her and conducted the following interview.
Can you explain why IF is the best-emerging forum for UK industrialists?
IF represents an extraordinary tool for industrialists looking to the coming year’s challenges, and where every new project and idea will start from a robust data and insights collection. Anticipation is the keyword for success. All IF projects will be effective and scientific-based in their outcomes.
IF is a place where entrepreneurs and businesspeople from across the UK – with an eye on evolving international scenarios – can meet, discuss, collaborate, and develop in many different sectors by means of tailored research tools and strategies.
This is the only way to guarantee the development of an industrial community that looks to the future: innovative, green, and robust, where talents share common values and vision for the future.
What is the most pressing Brexit-related difficulties that industrialists are facing in the UK post-Brexit?
Brexit has created a series of complex challenges for industrialists and the manufacturing sector. These challenges emerge from a combination of regulatory changes, trade uncertainties, and supply chain blockages, all of which impact the operation and competitiveness of UK industries in the global marketplace.
Firstly, the issue of regulation represents one of the main challenges, which involves not only the need to adapt to a new set of rules to operate on the internal market but also the obligation to comply with EU regulations when exporting to European member countries.
Another relevant aspect is represented by trade barriers. The end of the free movement of goods between the UK and the EU has introduced customs duties, border controls and bureaucratic procedures that delay shipments, and increase logistics and costs. For industries that rely heavily on cross-border supply chains, these new barriers mean delays in receiving materials and exporting finished products, compromising operational efficiency.
The issue of access to talent is another significant post-Brexit challenge. The points-based immigration system introduced by the post-Brexit UK Government has made it harder for British companies to recruit workers from the EU. This shift has led to labour shortages in key industries, increasing labour costs and reducing businesses’ ability to expand or maintain optimal operating levels and efficiencies.
In summary, the post-Brexit challenges for industrialists in the UK are multiple and complex, ranging from regulatory changes and trade barriers to issues of access to talent and future uncertainties. Addressing these challenges requires a strategic and flexible approach, as well as constructive dialogue between Government, industries, and international trading partners to mitigate negative impacts and exploit new opportunities.
What advice can you offer to businesses to mitigate the consequences of supply chain disruption, labour and skills shortages, and inflation?
Businesses are facing several complex challenges in the current economic environment, including changes (and often disruptions) to traditional supply chains, labour and skills shortages, and inflation. These factors can have significant repercussions on the productivity, competitiveness, and financial sustainability of companies.
To effectively navigate these complexities, it is essential to adopt targeted strategies that can mitigate negative impacts and promote resilient growth.
One of the main strategies to address changes in supply chains is to increase flexibility and diversification. This approach can mitigate risks associated with specific market disruptions or logistical issues. Additionally, adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence and ‘machine learning’ can improve demand forecasting and optimize inventory management.
To address labour and skills shortages, businesses must focus on developing human capital and adopting technologies that improve efficiency. Investing in training and development programs can help close the skills gap. Implementing advanced technological solutions, such as automation and robotics, can also reduce reliance on labour for repetitive, low-value-added tasks.
Inflation poses a significant challenge, eroding purchasing power and increasing the operating costs of businesses. To mitigate its effects, companies can adopt financial hedging strategies to protect themselves from fluctuations in raw material prices and exchange rate changes. Furthermore, effective cost management can help maintain price competitiveness without compromising the quality of the product or service offered.
In conclusion, diversification of sourcing, investment in human capital, adoption of advanced technologies, prudent financial management and exploration of new markets are all strategies that can help build more resilient companies, able to thrive despite complex market uncertainties.
Do you believe there are opportunities in the UK’s current fiscal policy that have yet to be explored?
Current UK fiscal policy, in a post-Brexit context and considering the global economic challenges, presents several opportunities that deserve in-depth exploration, particularly with a focused perspective on the balance between stimulating economic growth, maintaining financial stability, and ensuring social justice through prudent and strategic fiscal management.
One of the main opportunities lies in optimizing the tax system to encourage investment and innovation. Reducing the tax burden on businesses and investors can stimulate economic activity by creating a more favourable environment for investment in fixed capital and research and development. Targeted tax incentives can promote strategic sectors such as technology, science, and renewable energy, which are essential to the competitiveness of the UK economy. This approach can help position the UK as a global leader in innovation and sustainability, attract foreign capital and stimulate job creation.
Another area of opportunity is investments in public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, supporting long-term economic growth.
Furthermore, the review of public expenditure, with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness, allows us to identify areas of waste or less impact, redirecting resources towards investments that generate a tangible economic and social return. This responsible approach not only strengthens financial sustainability but also contributes to building a more equitable and prosperous society.
Finally, the adoption of fiscal policies that favour the transition towards a green economy offers the opportunity to drive environmental transformation. Tax incentives for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency in buildings can accelerate the transition to a sustainable economic model, while reducing the UK’s reliance on energy imports and improving national energy security.
Through thoughtful and innovative fiscal policies, the UK can stimulate economic growth, promote social fairness, and drive the ecological transition.
The UK government has identified 4 “Grand Challenges” in its Industrial Strategy, namely: artificial intelligence and big data; clean growth; the future of mobility; and meeting the needs of an ageing society. How can IF contribute to some of these challenges??
IF, with its commitment to supporting British industry and promoting economic growth through low taxation and incentives for innovation, is uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to the ‘clean growth’ challenge identified in the UK Industrial Strategy. This is because industrial progress and environmental protection are not conflicting objectives but can be synergistic.
The IF, by enhancing its mission of supporting and promoting a fiscal policy conducive to innovation and growth, can play a crucial role in this area. First, it can act as a catalyst for innovation in the clean technology sector, facilitating collaboration between companies, research institutes and institutions.
Second, through an emphasis on fiscal policy that fosters economic growth, IF can support the adoption of fiscal and financial incentives for businesses that invest in sustainable technologies and practices. Incentives such as tax credits for research and development, tax breaks for green infrastructure investments, and tax breaks for companies that reduce their emissions can make investing in sustainability not only an ethical responsibility but also a cost-effective decision for businesses, too.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data represent another of the ‘Grand Challenges’ identified in the UK Industrial Strategy and, at the same time, can play a crucial role in contributing to the other challenges as well. In this regard, IF can certainly facilitate a synergistic approach between the main stakeholders and create opportunities that push the country towards innovation and development with a leading global role.
The Industrial Forum has the expertise and all the “fundamentals” to significantly contribute to overcoming the UK’s 4 “Grand Challenges”.