Growth prospects amongst English manufacturing SMEs are at a 12-month high, according to the latest Manufacturing Advisory Service Barometer.
Nearly two thirds (64%) of companies questioned are expecting to increase sales over the next six months.
There was equally positive news on recent performance, with 47% of the 700 firms who responded reporting a rise in sales turnover (+4% on the previous quarter), whilst 93% of manufacturers are looking to take staff on or keep workforce levels the same.
Appetite for investment has also seen an upturn, with 39% planning to boost spending on new technologies and 48% intending to invest in new machinery and premises – both 4% up on the same period last year.
This overwhelming optimism is present despite a host of on-going barriers causing SME manufacturers to turn down new opportunities.
In response to the Barometer’s special focus, more than half of firms (52%) quoted poor profit margins as the main issue, followed by an inability to meet lead times (30%) and design specification (18%).
Lorraine Holmes, area director for MAS in the North and West, said: “If you compare findings with the similar period in 2012, you will see that firms are a lot more optimistic, with most key performance responses measured showing positive improvements.
“There appears to be a greater appetite from SMEs for investment in order to remain competitive and I think we are also seeing a desire to create jobs to meet expected demand.”
The second MAS Barometer of 2013 collected responses from 700 manufacturing SMEs across England, providing an overview of economic conditions and issues faced by the sector from January to March this year.
The quarterly special focus concentrated on identifying barriers preventing companies from taking on new orders and the impact this is having on business performance: 65% said that the missed opportunities could have increased turnover by up to 20%, with 56% of firms reporting that a quarter of enquiries were from new customers.
Tellingly, manufacturers appear to have relatively few issues with On Time In Full Delivery performance, with 60% reporting performances of 95% or above.
Holmes commented: “What we are seeing is that English manufacturers have made massive strides forward in implementing best practice production techniques and can compete with the best in terms of quality, cost and delivery.
“They now need support on longer-term strategies and in developing new products and markets and this is being reflected in the assistance MAS is providing.”
