National Manufacturing Barometer Report (Q1 2021)

What is the Manufacturing Barometer?
A quarterly survey, exclusively for small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers, to uncover past performance and future expectations across the sector, allowing us to map these core trends over time.

In addition, our 'Special Focus' asks questions around a different topic of interest each quarter, to further understand the specific impact it may have on these businesses.

How is this information used?
We document this valuable data as a quarterly report that is shared with national and regional government representatives to help call for future sector support that addresses the needs of SME manufacturers.  

Thank you to the 260 SME businesses who contributed this quarter - each and every response helps to build an accurate picture of the UK's manufacturing industry.

SPECIAL FOCUS: BARRIERS TO GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
This quarter's report focuses on the factors currently inhibiting growth for SMEs across the sector and reveals that:

  • An overwhelming 96% of respondents said price changes within their supply chains are currently presenting challenges
     
  •  94% believe that a lack of raw material availability is causing these price changes
     
  • Almost half - 49% - cited 'recruitment challenges' as a barrier to growth
     

The full report can be accessed below...

Q1 2021 Manufacturing Barometer - National Report.pdf