We regularly work with businesses in the manufacturing sector and deliver match funded subsidised web design consultancy through the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS). As such we are made privy to the latest news within the manufacturing sector and believe it to be important to share this information with our subscribers. We aim to highlight any trends and elements of interest within the sector.

News from the end of November:

Weak foreign demand hits UK manufacturing industry

According to CBS industrial surveys falling export orders have hit the UK manufacturing sector once again this month. This is the third consecutive fall in orders in as many months highlighting the worsening conditions within the sector.

The export orders balance fell from 48 to 31, the largest monthly fall since the records began in 1977. This weakness in foreign demand was expected due to the economic downturn in the Eurozone.

New government skills initiatives welcomed by manufacturers

The latest support provided to the manufacturing and engineering skills council has been considered a great boost to the industry. A £250 million fund has been provided to help design, develop and purchase vocational training to help businesses within the sector. An additional incentive of £1,500 has also been provided to help small businesses take on their first apprentices.

The investment in training is accompanied by government plans to assist firms in hiring an apprentice with a government focus on young people taking up apprenticeships.

20% rise in turnover for automotive manufacturing

There has been a significant jump in automotive manufacturing turnover in the last year. By comparison output rose to 27.8% above last year's figures. As a result there has been an increase in production volumes, level of investment and the number of employees.
The automotive sector is leading the way in terms of apprenticeships with a 9% rise in new roles leading to a collective 737,000 jobs within the industry.

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