Member Article

12-month high in English manufacturing SME confidence

Growth prospects amongst English manufacturing SMEs is at a twelve month high according to the latest Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) Barometer, which reveals nearly two thirds (64%) of companies questioned are expecting to increase sales over the next six months.

There was equally positive news on recent performance, with 47% of the 700 firms who responded reporting a rise in sales turnover (+4% on the previous quarter), whilst 93% of manufacturers are looking to take staff on or keep workforce levels the same.

Appetite for investment has also seen an upturn, with 39% planning to boost spending on new technologies and 48% intending to invest in new machinery and premises – both 4% up on the same period last year.

This overwhelming optimism is present despite a host of on-going barriers causing SME manufacturers to turn down new opportunities.

In response to the Barometer’s special focus, more than half of firms (52%) quoted poor profit margins as the main issue, followed by an inability to meet lead times (30%) and design specification (18%).

Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon said: “We have a strong manufacturing base here in the UK. As we see through the latest MAS Barometer, business confidence is on the rise, particularly amongst SMEs, indicating that manufacturers are becoming more optimistic about their future growth plans.

“The report also indicates that challenges remain for manufacturers. MAS works with businesses to maximise their efficiency, reduce waste and grasp new commercial opportunities – all key drivers for growth. I would encourage SMEs seeking to improve their operations and increase their bottom line to contact their local MAS.”

Lorraine Holmes, Area Director for MAS in the North and West, explained:

“If you compare findings with the similar period in 2012, you will see that firms are a lot more optimistic, with most key performance responses measured showing positive improvements.

“There appears to be a greater appetite from SMEs for investment in order to remain competitive and I think we are also seeing a desire to create jobs to meet expected demand.”

She went on to add: “The barriers to new opportunities are also interesting. Poor profit margins and lead times both paint a potential picture of unrealistic customer expectations and it appears that manufacturers are favouring a more pragmatic approach to taking work on.

“An inability to meet design specification and issues with equipment capability were also quoted as possible barriers and this could underline the renewed desire for investment in new machinery and technology.”

The second MAS Barometer of 2013 collected responses from 700 manufacturing SMEs across England, providing an overview of economic conditions and issues faced by the sector from January to March this year.

The quarterly special focus concentrated on identifying barriers preventing companies taking on new orders and the impact this is having on business performance.

65% said that the missed opportunities could have increased turnover by up to 20%, with 56% of firms reporting that a quarter of enquiries were from new customers.

Tellingly, manufacturers appear to have relatively few issues with On Time in Full Delivery (OTIF) performance, with 60% reporting performances of 95% or above.

Lorraine continued: “What we are seeing is that English manufacturers have made massive strides forward in implementing best practice production techniques and can compete with the best in terms of quality, cost and delivery.

“They now need support on longer-term strategies and in developing new products and markets and this is being reflected in the assistance MAS is providing.”

Nigel Jump, Chief Economist at Strategic Economics, added his view:

“The UK economy remains difficult. According to the latest GDP release, aggregate manufacturing had a weak first quarter, with output still some 10% below its pre-downturn peak.

“Lack of final demand, poor productivity growth and competitive business conditions are affecting many sectors, particularly those supplying cash strapped consumers or Governments.”

He concluded: “However, the latest MAS Barometer is more positive. Enquiry levels and turnover among SMEs are better than in the previous survey and, on virtually all measures, the report’s trends have turned upwards from the same period six months ago.

“It points to wider recovery and reduction in barriers to growth this summer.”

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.

ENDS

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

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .