Manufacturing Matters in London and the South East
09/09/2013 The BERR Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS EM)
Manufacturers in London and the South East are feeling increasingly positive, with 69% of companies expecting growth in the next six months according to the latest Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) Barometer survey.The figures are taken from the 2013 Q1 (April-June) MAS Barometer survey which provides an overview of economic conditions and issues faced by the sector. This quarter's Barometer showed that English manufacturing SMEs appear determined to meet the industry call for greater investment to promote growth, and reinforces recent economic forecasts predicting an upturn in the sector.
The local growth prediction for London and the South East was higher than the national figure of 67% and a welcome sign of optimism for the region. In addition, 42% expect growth in staff numbers over the next six months, an increase of 4% on last quarter; good news for employment figures.
Witney based Data Plastics Ltd are manufacturers of injection moulded products and have been established for nearly 25 years. Managing Director, Carl Reeve is extremely confident about the growth of the business:
"Our sales order books and our growth forecasts are very strong for the coming year. When the recession hit, we continued to invest in training for our staff, as well as plant and machinery. That investment has really paid off and we¹ve acquired new customers largely thanks to our in-house design, 3D printing, clean room moulding, and our technical expertise. We are currently investing in new machines and robots, which can only help to consolidate this position. There is a really buzz around the company and that is great for all concerned".
The most promising growth sector for the region was food and drink, with 82% of companies supplying into the industry saying that they expect to grow in the next six months. Steve Elkins, owner of Fairoak Foods based in Chobham, West Sussex is feeling good about his company's prospects:
"We are at the high quality end of the soup, sauces and stew market and began the business in 2011. Growth has been very positive and we have developed new business and also expanded our customer base. We have been assisted by MAS with two projects which have definitely unlocked growth for us. Customer service and flexibility is key and we provide our customers with a highly bespoke product."
The regular special focus of the Barometer concentrated this quarter on finding out whether business growth could be linked to innovation. 82% of respondents reported that new products introduced over the last two years had led to new sales, with more than half (55%) reporting an increase in both sales and profits. Over a third (36%) of respondents told us that new sales accounted for 25% or more of their total turnover.
Local MAS Advisor Richard Teal picked up the story: "Innovation and growth go hand in hand for SME manufacturers. MAS is helping to encourage innovation through our New Product Development and Inspire programmes, which provide support in developing, validating and bringing new ideas to market and encourage creative thinking around business opportunities. It's encouraging to see that our region's manufacturers are pushing forward with plans to develop products and markets. Manufacturing still matters in London and the South East, and long may it continue!"
MAS, which is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), works for manufacturers and through experienced advisors can help shape strategy, create new products, reduce waste and review supply chains.
For further information, please visit www.mymas.org or follow us at @mas_works. If you would like to take part in the next MAS Barometer, please contact barometer@mymas.org
Print this articleShare article:
Process and Control Today are not responsible for the content of submitted or externally produced articles and images. Click here to email us about any errors or omissions contained within this article.