SME manufacturers urged to have their say in the next National Manufacturing Barometer

April 24, 2017

Small to Medium sized manufacturers (SMEs) in the UK are being urged to take part in the next National Manufacturing Barometer, in order to help shape future Government policy and highlight current trends and opportunities.
The rallying call, made by organisers SWMAS and Economic Growth Solutions, is designed to increase the number of respondents from 270 to over 500 firms, making it one of the largest industrial surveys in the country.
It gives management teams the opportunity to feed in recent/future sales performance, plans for investment and recruitment intentions, providing a clear view of SME confidence against the current economic climate.
There is also a special focus on a topical issue and this time the Barometer will ask a number of questions on ‘maximising your workforce efficiency to support productivity and growth’.
“Smaller manufacturers can sometimes be overlooked when we discuss economic performance and aspirations for the future,” explained Simon Howes, Managing Director of SWMAS Group.
“This is something we are looking to address with the Manufacturing Barometer and received a great response last time with more than 250 firms taking part and providing their thoughts and performance. We want to double this figure so that we can use the information to shape the business support we provide, whilst lobbying the Government on how they support industry.”
He continued: “The survey goes lives on Monday April 21 and takes no more than 15 minutes to complete.”
“All senior managers need to do is visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/MGPBarometerQ4 and answer each question. We can only accept one response per manufacturing business.”
The last National Manufacturing Barometer revealed that SMEs in the UK had remained resilient in the face of ‘Brexit’ uncertainty, with 57% of firms recording an increase in sales during the previous six months.
It also found strong optimism for growth, including:
• Two thirds expecting sales to grow again during the first half of 2017.
• Half of companies plan to invest in new capital equipment and technology
• 46% plan to increase their workforce to cope with demand.
Another key finding was that a surprising 42% of respondents say that don’t know whether the UK Industrial Strategy is built to deliver their business needs, clearly showing there is a lack of visibility and understanding amongst SME manufacturers.
For further information, please visit www.manufacturinggrowthprogramme.co.uk/marketintelligence or follow @mfggrowthp on Twitter.

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The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has now ceased trading and transferred all its functions to Shropshire Council working with Telford & Wrekin Council and Herefordshire Council, in line with the UK Government's plans for devolution.

The Marches LEP was established in 2011 and hands over an impressive legacy from its 13-year life. In that time the LEP invested over £196m in projects across the Marches, securing in excess of £100m of match funding and supported more than 66,000 business interactions.

The schemes supported have made tangible differences to local communities, increasing skills, creating jobs and improving the physical appearance of many towns.

We would like to thank all the LEP Board Members who have given their time freely over the life of the LEP, as well as all the staff who worked for the LEP over the years. We also want to thank our delivery partners, local education providers and local, regional and national stakeholders who helped us achieve so much.

The Marches Growth Hub will continue to support businesses and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Each of the three Local Authorities will also continue to provide direct business support locally. Details of this support will be available through the Marches Growth Hub website and from the Local Authorities directly. Website: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk | email: enquiries@marchesgrowthhub.co.uk.

The Marches Careers Hub will continue to be delivered and will be managed by Shropshire Council, supported by Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils. Website: www.marchescareershub.co.uk | email: info@marchescareershub.co.uk

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