English SMEs resurgent, MAS Survey reveals

Over half of respondents (54%) said they had seen turnover rise in the last six months, with 60% expecting further growth between now and the end of the year. The quarterly survey also revealed that 41% of companies are planning to take on staff in the coming year with another 50% expecting employee numbers to remain the same as the level of new business enquiries holds strong despite difficult economic conditions. Over 610 businesses – representing more than 26,000 employees – responded to the Barometer, which is the latest in a series of economic reports that underline manufacturing in England is one of the few sectors showing positive growth. Simon Griffiths (pictured), MAS area director for North and West, said the findings were the clearest indication yet that the country's manufacturers were enjoying increases in sales and expect this trend to continue. "Investment by the major Original Equipment Manufacturers and interest from overseas companies to source from England has helped facilitate demand," he continued. "The Barometer includes the views of manufacturers from all sectors and, against the backdrop of improvements in turnover, is showing a renewed commitment to create new jobs. "It will be interesting to see if employers can find the skilled staff they require to fill the positions, bringing into focus the need for companies to create and support Apprenticeships so we can start to fill the talent pipeline again." The report revealed that 44% of companies are planning to increase spend on premises and machinery, whilst 35% plan to invest in developing new technology which will help them remain ahead of global competition. Further findings show that 77% of companies recognise the need for supply chain improvements, yet when respondents were asked what they planned to measure and review it was clear the emphasis was on products rather than processes. The most popular choices were prices of product (85%) and product ranges (77%). Maurice Cassidy, director at Barkley Plastics which employs 94 people in the West Midlands and was one of the companies questioned said the Barometer reinforced what the design, tooling and moulding specialist was seeing in its own business and across other suppliers and partners. It had seen steady growth in the automotive, medical and household products markets and anticipated an increase in sales over the next six months.