manufacturing barometer report (q4)...manufacturing barometer report (q4) january – march 2015...
TRANSCRIPT
@mas_works www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/mas [email protected] 0300 303 0034 MAS on LinkedIn@mas_works www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/mas [email protected]
Manufacturing Barometer Report (Q4)
January – March 2015
Oil/Gas Aerospace
Pharmaceutical
Rail Offshore Wind
Food and Drink
Defence Electronics
Engineering Automotive Construction
Chemical
Nuclear Marine
MAS on LinkedIn
@mas_works www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/mas [email protected] 0300 303 0034 MAS on LinkedIn
Contents
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13
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25
27
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IntroductionSurvey DemographicsKey Findings Manufacturing OutlookMeasuring TrendsSpotlight on ProductivitySector Focus: AutomotiveSector Focus: ConstructionEconomist’s ViewpointPostscriptHelp and Information
Special FocusPlanning for Success
Oil/Gas
Chemical
Nuclear Marine
Aerospace
Pharmaceutical
Rail
Offshore Wind
Food and Drink
Defence
Electronics
Engineering
Automotive
Construction
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3Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Welcome to the latest Manufacturing Barometer, collecting the results, views and opinions of English manufacturing SMEs on behalf of the Business Growth Service.
More than 500 companies have again responded to questions on recent and future performance when it comes to sales, job creation and investment in machinery, premises and new technology.
The results provided a contrasting picture. Whilst there were slight declines in the number of firms reporting increases in turnover and planned investment, there was a small rise in the proportion of companies looking to take staff on.
These findings are consistent with recent economic reports giving a mixed outlook, which seems to
be influencing uncertainty in the manufacturing community.
Our Business Growth Managers report that suppliers are still waiting for promised volumes to materialise and that investment decisions are taking longer to be made.
At the same time, the need to prepare for increases in production means that firms should take on more staff so they can react quickly to fluctuations in buyer requirements.
In this Barometer report we have included four mini-timeline case studies of companies charting their two, five and ten year growth-plans (starting on page 14).
These firms predominantly supply the automotive or construction sectors and their stories highlight
the challenges they face and the differentiators that give them a competitive advantage over their rivals.
Productivity
The Manufacturing Barometer also highlights the continuing challenge of productivity. Over four fifths of respondents indicated that they felt the need to improve productivity between now and October 2015.
This is an increase in the level of concern on the previous six months and indicates that firms need continuing support to boost efficiencies, reduce waste and maximise the potential of their workforce and machinery.
The Business Growth Service is at the heart of a close-knit network of government-backed agencies
Introduction
* Small and medium sized enterprises. These are firms that employ less than 250 full time equivalent (FTE) employees and either turnover less than € 50m or have balance sheets of less than € 43m. For more information please see postscript.
4Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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offering expert support and striving to help companies tackle specific barriers to growth - including the issue of productivity.
Expert Business Growth Managers are there to develop effective plans for growth and to guide manufacturers to the right support at the right time.
Steven BarrHead of Manufacturing at the Business Growth ServiceJune 2015
continued:
5Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Employees Proportion of Respondents
0 – 4 15%
5 – 9 14%
10 – 19 21%
20 – 49 33%
50 – 99 10%
100 – 249 6%
458
Key Statistics
Mean number of employees 30
Median number of employees 20
Minimum total staff count (FTE) 13,818
Survey Demographics Regions Respondents
North East 23
North West 48
Yorkshire & Humberside 51
East Midlands 30
West Midlands 80
East 57
London & The South East 116
South West 98
503
Total Respondents
6Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Key Findings
Employment:55% of SME manufacturers expect staff numbers to increase in the next 6 months*
Q: How do you expect staff numbers to change in the next 6 months?
4 Much Increased4 Increased No Change Reduced Much Reduced
Sales Turnover: 70% of SME manufacturers expect their sales turnover to increase in the next 6 months*
Q: How do you expect your sales turnover to change over the next 6 months?
4 Much Increased4 Increased No Change Reduced Much Reduced
Investment:95% of SME manufacturers expect investment in new machinery or premises to remain the same or increase in the next 6 months*
Q: How do you expect investment in new machinery or premises to change in the next 6 months?
4 Much Increased4 Increased4 No Change Reduced Much Reduced
Productivity:84% of SME manufacturers feel that productivity needs to increase in the next 6 months*
Q: How do you feel productivity needs to change in the next 6 months compared with the past 6 months?
4 Much Increased4 Increased No Change Reduced Much Reduced
*The next 6 months (Apr – Sep 2015)
7Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Manufacturing Outlook Q4
Much Reduced
Reduced No Change
Increased Much Increased
Has your sales turnover changed within the past 6 months? 3% 19% 24% 44% 11%
Do you expect your sales turnover to change over the next 6 months? 1% 7% 22% 59% 11%
How does your order book look compared with 6 months ago? 3% 18% 29% 42% 9%
Have your enquiry levels changed compared with 6 months ago? 1% 14% 32% 47% 7%
Do you expect staff numbers in your company to change in the next 6 months?
0% 5% 40% 52% 3%
Do you expect your investment in new machinery/premises to change in the next 6 months?
1% 3% 42% 46% 7%
Do you expect your investment in new technology to change in the next 6 months?
1% 2% 48% 45% 5%
Respondents 503
8Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Past: Sales
Percentage of SME manufacturers that experienced an increase in sales turnover in the past 6 months (Oct 14–Mar 15)
Q22014/15
Q32014/15
Q42014/15
Q12012/13
Q22012/13
Q32012/13
Q42012/13
53% 45% 43% 47%
Q42011/12
54%
Q12013/14
Q22013/14
Q32013/14
Q42013/14
Q12014/15
53% 56% 62% 61% 61% 55% 59% 54%
Measuring Trends
0%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
9Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Future: Sales
Percentage of SME manufacturers that predicted sales turnover growth in the next 6 months (Apr – Sep 15)
Q22014/15
Q32014/15
Q42014/15
Q12012/13
Q22012/13
Q32012/13
Q42012/13
53% 55% 62% 64%
Q42011/12
60%
Q12013/14
Q22013/14
Q32013/14
Q42013/14
Q12014/15
67% 66% 76% 73% 76% 67% 70% 70%
Measuring Trends
0%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
10Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Future: Machinery & Premises
Percentage of SME manufacturers that predicted increased investment in new machinery or premises in the next 6 months (Apr – Sep 15)
Q22014/15
Q32014/15
Q42014/15
Q12012/13
Q22012/13
Q32012/13
Q42012/13
38% 41% 44% 48%
Q42011/12
44%
Q12013/14
Q22013/14
Q32013/14
Q42013/14
Q12014/15
50% 66% 58% 59% 55% 54% 54% 54%
Measuring Trends
0%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
51% 53%
11Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Future: New Technology
Percentage of SME manufacturers that predicted increased investment in new technology in the next 6 months (Apr – Sep 15)
Q22014/15
Q32014/15
Q42014/15
Q12012/13
Q22012/13
Q32012/13
Q42012/13
34% 38% 38% 39%
Q42011/12
35%
Q12013/14
Q22013/14
Q32013/14
Q42013/14
Q12014/15
40% 50% 52% 46% 48% 54% 54%
Measuring Trends
0%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
42%
12Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Measuring Trends
Future: Employment
Percentage of SME manufacturers that predicted staff increases in the next 6 months (Apr – Sep 15)
Q22014/15
Q32014/15
Q42014/15
Q12012/13
Q22012/13
Q32012/13
Q42012/13
33% 32% 39% 40%
Q42011/12
41%
Q12013/14
Q22013/14
Q32013/14
Q42013/14
Q12014/15
43% 53% 54% 55% 50% 50% 54%0%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
39%
13Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Much Reduced
Reduced
Redu
ced
ReducedMuch Reduced
18% 15%
71% 71%9% 13%
Much Increased
Much Increased
Increased
Increased
No ch
ang
e
No ch
ang
e
Much Reduced
Redu
ced
Much Reduced
SME manufacturers indicated how they feel productivity within their businesses in the past 6 months (Apr – Sep 14) compared with the previous 6 months (Oct 13 – Mar 14)
Respondents 846
SME manufacturers indicated how they feel productivity within their businesses in the past 6 months (Oct 14 – Mar 15) compared with the previous 6 months (Apr – Sep 14)
Respondents 503
SME manufacturers indicated how they feel productivity within their businesses needs to change in the next 6 months (Oct 14 – Mar 15) compared with the past 6 months (Apr – Sep 14)
Respondents 845
SME manufacturers indicated how they feel productivity within their businesses needs to change in the next 6 months (Apr –Sep 15) compared with the past 6 months (Oct 14 – Mar 15)
Respondents 503
Responses from Q2 2014/15 Manufacturing Barometer Responses from Q4 2014/15 Manufacturing Barometer
Spotlight on Productivity
52%41%
31% 39%
11% 14%
1% 2%
5% 5%
Looking back: Apr – Sep 14 Looking back: Oct 14 – Mar 15
Q1/2 Q3/4 Q3/4 Q1/2
Looking forward: Oct 14 – Mar 15 Looking forward: Apr – Sep 15
Much Increased
Much Increased
Incr
ease
d
Incr
ease
d
No
cha
ng
e
No
cha
ng
e
2%
0%
1%
0%
14Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Sector Focus: Automotive
Much Reduced
Reduced No Change
Increased Much Increased
Has your sales turnover changed within the past 6 months? 0% 18% 20% 51% 11%
Do you expect your sales turnover to change over the next 6 months? 1% 10% 21% 63% 5%
How does your order book look compared with 6 months ago? 2% 15% 19% 52% 13%
Have your enquiry levels changed compared with 6 months ago? 0% 19% 35% 39% 7%
Do you expect staff numbers in your company to change in the next 6 months?
0% 5% 37% 56% 2%
Do you expect your investment in new machinery/premises to change in the next 6 months?
0% 4% 35% 59% 3%
Do you expect your investment in new technology to change in the next 6 months?
0% 1% 48% 48% 3%
Respondents 110
Automotive: SME manufacturers, with at least 10% of their sales turnover resulting from the automotive sector, report on the following:
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Sector Focus: Automotive
A manufacturer shares their ten year plan:
• Employed 35 people
• Employing 45 people
• Many different facets including a training centre, an assembly shop and a machining arm
• Employing 60 people
2014
2015
2017
2016
2020
2025
Differentiators:
We offer a full service — a one stop shop.We look at each and every enquiry and offer a complete quality item to every customer.
• Largest manufacturer in the county
• Tier 1 supplier to OEMs• Employing 300 people
Facts
Employees: 45Sectors served: Automotive, DefenceLocation: West Midlands
Challenges:
Recruiting skilled staff.
16Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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A manufacturer shares their ten year plan:
• Turnover £4.2m-£4.225m• Employed 42 people
• Turnover £4.525m-£4.55m• Employing 47 people
• Increased efficiency• Focused on lean production
techniques
• Turnover £5m-£5.025m• Employing 60 people
2014
2015
2017
2016
2020
2025
Differentiators:
High quality and the ability to quickly respond to customer requirements.
• More diverse market penetration• Increased turnover• Increased core skill levels
• A modern and progressive manufacturer
• Offering cutting edge solutions and skills to industry
Facts
Employees: 47Sectors served: Automotive, Aerospace, DefenceLocation: South East
Challenges:
Succession planning within the business.Lack of skills in the marketplace and the ability to upskill the existing workforce.
Sector Focus: Automotive
17Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Sector Focus: Construction
Much Reduced
Reduced No Change
Increased Much Increased
Has your sales turnover changed within the past 6 months? 4% 17% 25% 43% 11%
Do you expect your sales turnover to change over the next 6 months? 2% 7% 28% 51% 11%
How does your order book look compared with 6 months ago? 4% 21% 26% 41% 7%
Have your enquiry levels changed compared with 6 months ago? 4% 18% 29% 47% 3%
Do you expect staff numbers in your company to change in the next 6 months?
0% 8% 42% 47% 3%
Do you expect your investment in new machinery/premises to change in the next 6 months?
2% 4% 39% 47% 7%
Do you expect your investment in new technology to change in the next 6 months?
1% 1% 45% 49% 4%
Respondents 135
Construction: SME manufacturers, with at least 10% of their sales turnover resulting from the construction sector, report on the following:
18Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Sector Focus: Construction
A manufacturer shares their ten year plan:
• Turnover £850k-£860k• Employed 10 people
• Turnover £1.025m-£1.05m• Employing 12 people
• Further improved control & automation• Well trained workforce• Sales into new geographies
and sectors
• Turnover £1.225m-£1.25m• Employing 15 people
2014
2015
2017
2016
2020
2025
Differentiators:
Passionate about customer service.Flexible and automated production.Expansion into Europe.
• Substantially higher sales with worldwide sales• Greater diversification in current and new markets• Proactive workforce in continual improvement
• Further expansion including acquisition of related businesses
Facts
Employees: 12Sectors served: Construction, MarineLocation: South East
Challenges:
Recruiting the right people.Raising necessary finance.
19Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Sector Focus: Construction
A manufacturer shares their ten year plan:
• Turnover £340k–£350k• Employed 3 people
• Turnover £400k–£410k• Employing 8 people• Moved into new premises
• Employ permanent installation teams • Develop new products• Increase turnover• Optimise space & processes
2014
2015
2017
2016
2020
2025
Differentiators:
Bespoke products.In-house manufacturing.Excellent long-term client relationships and aftercare service.
• Two/three technical sales staff• Nationwide sales and marketing support• Develop European contacts & contracts• Turnover increase 3x
• Recognised as most technical manufacturer/supplier/installer in sector
Facts
Employees: 8Sectors served: ConstructionLocation: South West
Challenges:
Cashflow.Expert knowledge and skills to expand the business.
• Turnover £450k–£460k• Employing 10 people
20Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Use of automation. Use of latest axis technology. Bedford Transmissions LtdMill & turn components
HERTFORDSHIRE
We design everything ourselves. So design time / build time is circa 50/50. Agritron LimitedSensor signal conditioners/ monitoring & control systems
OXFORDSHIRE
Fabrication, tube bending & silencers Full service design and testing. Franklin Silencers Ltd
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Commitment to quality whilst being very helpful and very reactive. Kannect Precision Services LimitedPrecision machining
CLEVELAND
Focus on delivering goods with the maximum amount of contact between manufacturing and end user ensures we can give the best possible customer service. Castrads LtdRadiators
GREATER MANCHESTER We focus on total customer satisfaction. Top down involvement and engagement. Reactive attention to business opportunities. Geometric Manufacturing LtdMachining, routing, fabricating
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Willing to invest in new technology, training, selective customer base. Multi-Tech Engineering (U.K.) Ltd
YORKSHIRE
Ability to offer and exceed customer expectations in innovation, design for manufacture & project management. Radshape Sheet Metal LimitedFabrication
WEST MIDLANDS
Click on the company names to be taken to their websites
What makes your business different from others?
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21Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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We will have outgrown are current facility & will have the difficult decision as to move or not. Advanced Engineering (UK) LtdMulti-axis precision engineering
WEST MIDLANDS
Increase through new product introduction, organic growth in current markets and opening up new markets. Rapid Labs LimitedMedical diagnostic reagents, glass vials & bottles
ESSEX
Profitable, state-of-the-art, streamlined. SRM Industries LtdMetal and rubber engineering
DERBYSHIRE Strong and more international.
He-Man Dual Controls LimitedVehicle dual control systems
HAMPSHIRE
Slightly larger with improved structure. J E B Precision LimitedPrecision machined components & electro-mechanical assemblies
CHESHIRE
We expect to change to introduce a product portfolio.
Expert CNC LtdPrecision engineering
DORSET
Broader customer base.
Flatford LtdSteel fabrication
NORTH YORKSHIRE
Click on the company names to be taken to their websites
What will your business look like two years from now?
2YEARS
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22Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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In five years, will be twice its current size. Advanced Chemical Etching LimitedMetal components
SHROPSHIRE
Integrated use of IT to improve productivity and customer service delivery, alongside upgraded capital investment to maintain/improve quality and productivity.
Electroparts LtdPCB assembly & technical cabling
WEST YORKSHIRE
Massive presence in Europe with diversification into new products and services. Fonebox Trading LtdMobile phone charging stations
MERSEYSIDE
Possibly diversifying into other areas with relevant capital expenditure, particularly nuclear work.
Cam Machine ComponentsPrecision engineering
NORTH SOMERSET
Double net profit. Even faster response - many more standard products.
Viking Signs LtdSign design & manufacture
LINCOLNSHIRE
Part of a larger group. Solar Capture TechnologiesSolar power solutions
NORTHUMBERLAND
Grown by 40%. Investment underway. Team operating at a high level.
Broanmain LimitedThermoplastic & thermosetting plastic moulding
SURREY
Click on the company names to be taken to their websites
Employ 60 people, have larger premises to take up the capacity. Export sales to be majority of our sales. Kemtron LtdRFI/EMI shielding gaskets and components
ESSEX
What will your business look like five years from now?
5YEARS
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23Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Passed on to the next generation, whether Management Buyout or sale.Focused NutritionEnergy & food bars
CHESHIRE
Operating in a number of different market places both home and abroad.Racks Industries LimitedIndustrial storage solutions
WEST YORKSHIRE
Similar except a little larger again.Speedings LimitedSafety products for fire & rescue services
TYNE AND WEAR
Vastly increased in size. Denward Manufacturing LtdPharmacy equipment
ESSEX
Turning over in excess of £20m per year. A serious player in sustainable building technology for urban and rural spaces. Green Unit LimitedEco modular buildings
OXFORDSHIRE
Me, on a privately owned island, running it all remotely and popping over from time to time on my yacht. Obviously.Pure Nuff Stuff LtdNatural cosmetics & skincare products
CORNWALL
Potentially twice the size of business that it is now. SJ Clifford & Co LtdPrecision engineering
WEST MIDLANDS
Click on the company names to be taken to their websites
What will your business look like ten years from now?
10 YEARS
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24Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Generating the cash to keep up with technology.
Precision AlloysAlloy steel castings
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Available cash to fund investment in R&D is always a challenge.
Shelton Sportsturf Drainage LtdSports turf drainage machinery
LINCOLNSHIRE
Skills shortages, difficulty in hiring the right staff.
Fimark LtdLaser marking and technical spray painting
SURREY
The threat of a skills shortage, market forces, competition, lack of senior management presence. Ford Aerospace LtdPrecision machining and pressings
TYNE & WEAR
Funding available for the rapid growth.
The Printed Cup CompanyPaper cups
LANCASHIRE
Finding young people with the passion for engineering we can mould into the world-class engineers we require to flourish as a business.
Supermarine Aero Engineering LtdSpitfire spare parts
STAFFORDSHIRE
Maintaining gross profits and increasing profitability.
Xamax Clothing CompanyWorkwear and promotional clothing
WEST YORKSHIRE
Securing sustainable new business. Continued improvements in productivity.
Prism Electronics LtdContract electronics manufacturer
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Click on the company names to be taken to their websites
What challenges stand in the way of your plans?
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25Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Economist’s Viewpoint
In the first quarter of 2015, the UK recovery persisted, although, after a buoyant end to 2014, it slowed down. Real GDP grew by just 0.3% on the previous quarter. Within that total change, business investment increased moderately (+1.7%) whilst net exports were strongly negative (-0.8%). Largely, growth was consumer-driven (+0.5%).
As recently emphasised by, amongst others, the Bank of England Governor, the risk to the recovery is that the UK economy lacks productivity growth compared with its own previous recoveries and compared with its international peers.
At the same time, unemployment continues to fall whilst several inflation series have slipped into negative territory. Manufacturing producer prices fell 1.7% in the year to April 2015, although excluding the more volatile food and petroleum sectors, this series was essentially flat (+0.1%).
These trends on growth, unemployment and inflation mean that many of the UK SME manufacturers answering the latest Manufacturing Barometer survey continue to face tight trading conditions. Currently, however, differentials
in turnover and pricing tend to reflect factors in particular markets as well as the overall economic climate. Broader influences, such as global trade patterns, the rumbling Eurozone crisis, and UK elections and referendums, are influencing business decision-making but real activity in particular sector supply chains is often paramount. At this point in this particular cycle, the SME manufacturing community are focussed on micro industrial factors as much as the macro background.
Given this context, the latest Barometer provides useful insight into current levels and trends on a number of key business measures. Partly, the Manufacturing Barometer results reflect the mildly positive picture outlined above for the economy as a whole. For example, the recent quarterly slowdown is reflected in the positive balances on current turnover, which peaked in the winter of 2013/14 (62%) and moderated a year later (54%, winter 2014/15). Only 51% of respondents recorded an increase in order books over the last six months.
We have invited an experienced economist to comment on the Barometer results.
26Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Economist’s Viewpoint
Looking ahead (April-September 2015), the Barometer’s expectations on sales and employment are positive - 70% and 55% of respondents respectively forecasting an increase - but these balances have not advanced over the last year. Moreover, the investment indicators on machinery and premises and on new technology (53% and 50% respectively) were only moderately positive in the Q4 survey and were down on both the previous and year-ago equivalent periods.
Given these current and expected trading conditions and the broader economic outlook, it is understandable that a high figure of 84% of the latest survey’s respondents said productivity needs to increase in their business in the six months ahead. It is sobering, however, to note that, beforehand, the expected balance for October 2014-March 2015 was 80% and yet the outcome for that period was only 46%. With a modest, overall economic outlook,
manufacturers are identifying a need to increase productivity but are not finding it easy to follow this through. Therein lies a key issue for UK manufacturers and the economy as a whole in the middle of 2015.
Nigel F Jump Independent EconomistJune 2015
Nigel Jump is chief economist at Strategic Economics. He has been appointed to provide an independent view on the Manufacturing Barometer. The comments expressed above are based on his professional experience and expertise and are in no way intended to represent the views of the Business Growth Service or SWMAS Ltd.
27Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Methodology
The Manufacturing Barometer represents the views of senior decision makers within SME manufacturers based in England. Lists of respondents are actively maintained to ensure that there is only one response per company, and ineligible companies are excluded from the results.
Please note that: • Percentages are given throughout
to the nearest integer value
• Given variability in sample and population sizes across questions respondent numbers are provided to allow for the calculation of confidence intervals
• Manufacturers’ comments are presented with permission and provide insight into a range of sectors and ambitions
• Small and Medium sized enterprises are defined as firms that employ less than 250 full time equivalent (FTE) employees and either turnover less than € 50m or have balance sheets of less than € 43m.
For more information please see: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/facts-figures-analysis/sme-definition/index_en.htm
Manufacturing Barometer
The Manufacturing Barometer provides a quarterly snapshot of small and medium sized manufacturers in England. It charts trends in turnover, employment and investment, along with capturing ambitions and concerns.
The Manufacturing Barometer was started by SWMAS Ltd in 2009 and surveys manufacturers across England.
The Manufacturing Advisory Service
The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) is part of the Business Growth Service , a government-backed service offering support to businesses with the potential to improve and grow.
Funded by the Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills , we have an 80+ strong team of Business Growth Managers with specific manufacturing expertise, working on the ground with management teams to plan long-term strategies, improve processes, bring new products to market and develop supply chains.
Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS):MAS works for England’s manufacturers. Funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) we provide a national service delivered locally by experienced Business Growth managers. We work with manufacturers to create business and product strategies. We help to develop cultures of innovation that generate new product ideas and market opportunities. We work to reduce waste and maximise profitability with individual businesses and their supply chains.
If you are an SME manufacturer seeking to improve, or a larger enterprise looking to build or improve a domestic supply chain, please contact us to find out how we can help.
Postscript
28Manufacturing Barometer - Q4 January to March 2014/15
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Your views are important to us:The Manufacturing Barometer takes less than 5 minutes to complete and is an opportunity for your views to be heard. Small and medium sized manufacturers based in England are invited to take part in the next quarterly Manufacturing Barometer. Please email [email protected] stating that you wish to participate.
For information on the Manufacturing Barometer report and survey: [email protected]
Help and Information
This survey and report is designed, analysed and compiled by SWMAS Ltd and provided for use to the Business Growth Service.This report is only available electronically in PDF format.
Usage Conditions: The information and findings in this Manufacturing Barometer may be freely re-used in any online or offline publication and presentation, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line –
“This information is used courtesy of the Manufacturing Barometer report produced by SWMAS Ltd in association with the Business Growth Service.”
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information supplied herein, SWMAS Ltd, the Business Growth Service and any of the contributors to this report cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that are revealed by future data revisions, new publications or policy changes, or for the consequences of actions taken by any party on the basis of the content of this report.
For media information: [email protected] 07812 600271
MAS support information:www.greatbusiness.gov.uk/mas [email protected] 0300 303 0034