Supply chain issues hindering post-pandemic recovery theengineer.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theengineer.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
British SME manufacturers expect strong post-Covid recovery
Manufacturing Barometer British SME manufacturers expect strong post-Covid recovery Related Companies (Source: Daniel Graves)
Nearly two thirds of small and medium sized manufacturing firms in the UK are expecting to increase sales between now and October, with 58 percent indicating that they are planning to boost investment over the next six months as they look to the future. Out of nearly 300 firms questioned, 54 percent highlighted an increased need to recruit staff over the coming months.
This quarter’s Barometer took an in-depth look at how manufacturing SMEs are recovering from the pandemic and, encouragingly, 48 percent of respondents now expect to return to, or exceed, their pre-Covid-19 position within three months. On the jobs front, although 80 percent of businesses have utilised the government’s furlough scheme at some poin
Upbeat Barometer points to growth for SME manufacturers theengineer.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theengineer.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
16th April 2021 3:21 pm 16th April 2021 3:21 pm
SME manufacturers are being asked to participate in a survey that will gauge whether COVID-19 could permanently change industry working practices.
The Manufacturing Barometer, organised by SWMAS (the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service) and the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), is looking to understand how the pandemic has accelerated new working practices that may have unearthed potential operational benefits.
This quarter’s report aims to examine how working conditions have changed for manufacturers, the challenges their employees have faced and how these are being addressed.
The survey will also look at remote working within the manufacturing industry to see if this has increased productivity, lowered overheads and/or created a better work/life balance for employees.
Of the 284 respondents, more than half cited complications with exporting (54 per cent) and importing goods (56 per cent) since December 31st, causing potential short and long-term hits on volumes and new opportunities.
According to the survey, less than a third of SME manufacturers feel they are getting the right support and guidance from government on how to navigate changes caused by Brexit related issues. Just over a fifth (21 per cent) of businesses believe Brexit could deliver new reshoring opportunities that would bring supply chains closer to home.
“SME manufacturers have had to deal with unprecedented levels of change over the past 12 months and it is encouraging to see some green shoots of how the sector has adapted throughout this difficult time,” said Nick Golding, managing director of SWMAS.