70% of Manufacturers think UK Market is 'On the Up'!

Wednesday 27th February 2008

Following a survey of UK manufacturers by the Manufacturing Advisory Service at last week’s Southern Manufacturing exhibition, more than 70% of respondents are positive about the state of the market – and confident that the situation is improving for manufacturers in the South East and London. A further 25%, who see the market as static today, believe that output will increase in the coming months and are positive in their outlook.

When asked for their views on sales growth, manufacturers are very positive – with more than 80% of respondents seeing improved or stable sales figures – and many expect further improvements in sales over the short to medium term.

Despite recent media commentary, less than 12% perceive global economic ‘slow down’ as a concern. On the contrary, 75% of survey responses point to a clear improvement in export trade, in spite of the backdrop of a strong UK currency. A higher priority for manufacturers is the concern about future skills shortages - with more than 35% of respondents citing this as having a key potential impact on future productivity.

Colin Allaway, Principal Specialist with the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) in London commented: “Despite concerns around a number of issues – including a ‘strong pound’, global credit crunch, reduced demand for products and rising energy and commodity prices – the manufacturing community remains positive about its future. Our aim at MAS is to support these companies and help them to realise real, measurable improvements in their businesses - whatever market conditions they face – now and in the future?

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