Engineering firms both large and small have contributed greatly to the UK economy in times past, but its engineering industry has declined markedly in recent times. This article describes a study of engineering SMEs to explore the nature of the current ‘enterprising identity’ associated with these firms. It focuses particularly on the factors external to the firms that may have shaped or influenced this identity (or identities). Factors could include an awareness of historical context and the trajectory of industry development; entrepreneurial discourse and ideology; technological and professional influences; and subcultural influences such as locality, ethnicity and family. Rather than rely on members' opinions and perceptions about the influences on enterprise identity, analysis of facts and statements about its business profile and tangible achievements have been used to produce a more detached assessment. The study finds that technical influences are generally more significant than, for example, entrepreneurial discourse and drive. There is also a rather British dimension to the identity of these firms, even though the engineering industry has become increasingly global in its reach. Strategy and policy questions that merit further research are identified.
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