Vince Cable, the coalition government's business secretary, visited Bentley Motors in Crewe yesterday.

Cable, who previous to the election was seen by some observers as unsupportive of the motor industry, met directors and employees and saw the new Mulsanne in production.

Cable said: "We need to develop a stronger, more balanced economy by building on the strengths of our manufacturing and other knowledge industries. The UK is open for business and we welcome the investment that is being made here by manufacturing companies, like Bentley, creating highly skilled workforces that will ensure our future growth,” Cable added.

Bentley board member for manufacturing, Doug Dickson, said: "The government must encourage people into the industry through apprenticeships and other schemes as well as committing to increased training of those who already working in it.

"Above all it must promote it internationally if the UK is to have a strong manufacturing sector and thus a strong economy."