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 government representatives to help call for future sector support that addresses the needs of SME manufacturers.
SOUTH WEST MANUFACTURING BAROMETER FOR Q4 2020/21
(JANUARY, FEBRUARY, AND MARCH 2021 - SURVEYED IN APRIL 2021)
This report highlights the recent experiences and future confidence levels of regional SME manufacturing Business Leaders, helping to paint a clear picture of SME manufacturing across the South West, and allowing us to measure how regional results compare to the national findings.
This quarter's survey shows heightened optimism across the South West; with the majority of respondents not only reporting an increase in sales, profits, staff numbers, and investment over the past six months but also predicting that this will continue into the Autumn...
Special Focus: Employee Engagement through Times of Change
We want to understand how current conditions are affecting trade for SME manufacturers, and find out if new ways of working due to COVID-19 will lead to any positive changes for regional businesses and their employees.
This quarter's South West report reveals that:
- The majority of regional respondents said their staff numbers and capital investments have increased over the past six months, whereas nationally, the majority reported no change to these core trends
- 46% of respondents are trading at increased levels when compared to their pre-COVID-19 position - this is 9% higher than reported nationally
- Going forward, 47% plan to continue offering some level of remote working to their employees (up 5% in comparison to the national report)
The full report can be accessed below...
SWMAS is here to support the South West manufacturing sector and help accelerate the positive growth trends shown in this quarter’s Barometer
Through a variety of public sector-funded programmes, our team of Manufacturing Specialists can help SME businesses get ready to target opportunities, and/or address any challenges they are currently experiencing.
Support packages are tailored to each company's individual needs
SWMAS can work with you to identify, implement, and manage business improvements, develop your workforce, integrate new technology, bring new products to market, and much more...
...Get in touch if you would like further information, or to arrange an initial chat with one of the team.