Signs of growth for London and South East manufacturers in 2013

The latest MAS Barometer reveals that the outlook for small to medium sized manufacturers in the region is encouraging, with 65% of respondents expecting sales turnover to grow between now and June 2013. The predicted expansion is backed up by the number of firms expecting to take on staff (41%) and those investing in new premises and machinery (43%).

David Caddle, MAS Area Director for London and the South East, explained: “With over 700 respondents across England, the results of the MAS Barometer speak for themselves.

“The overwhelming feeling is one of positivity and it’s excellent to see our region’s manufacturers sending out a powerful message and highlighting their determination to explore new opportunities for growth in 2013.

Our findings show that there’s still work to do, but we need to ensure that recent optimism is just the start.”

Elsewhere in the results, 36% of respondents in the region cited the availability of specific skills as a major hurdle. Jacob Marsh, Director of East Sussex based ModMyPi LTD, who specialise in the 3D design and UK manufacture of unique, high-quality Raspberry Pi Cases, took part in the MAS Barometer and said: “During the past six months we have seen a big increase in sales turnover and are anticipating further growth in the coming months. The skills gap is always an issue and I believe this to be the case for many manufacturers in the UK.

“However, we are planning to tackle this problem head on by recruiting new team players in addition to providing focused training for our existing workforce in order to develop the skills they already have whilst learning new, valuable skills that can be shaped and moulded to suit our business needs and objectives moving forward.

“In the meantime, working with MAS provided support and expertise in areas that I had no or limited experience in, which was invaluable in terms of gaining a competitive edge in the market and growing my business during a challenging climate.”

Business Secretary Vince Cable, who revealed news of the MAS Barometer results at the Government’s Manufacturing Summit this week, said: “Manufacturing is a key driver in our economy, which is why it takes centre stage in the Industrial Strategy for growth. As clearly demonstrated in the latest MAS Barometer findings, skills provision remains a concern for many manufacturing SMEs. It’s vital, therefore, that Government and industry continue to work together to address it, and other growth priority issues like access to finance and attracting young people into manufacturing.”