On 12 September, I visited local high-tech business ATL in Booker. ATL is a small, specialist engineering company that designs and builds advanced coating systems used in industries like aerospace, defence, semiconductors, and nuclear. I met with the team to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing small, advanced manufacturing firms, and how government policy can support their growth.
I was delighted to hear how this unique Wycombe business is contributing to some of the UK’s most important industries, while also creating high-skilled jobs in our local area.
We discussed the impact of recent trade deals with the US, India, and the EU, and how exporting businesses like ATL are navigating global markets. It’s clear that with the right backing, small high-tech companies can play a much bigger role in driving UK innovation and growth.
The government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, published earlier this summer, sets out a long-term plan to support precisely these kinds of businesses — those that combine cutting-edge technology with global ambition.
It’s vital that we champion firms like ATL, who are not only building advanced systems here in Wycombe but exporting British expertise to the world.