Manufacturers ‘missing out on the export drive’ says MAS-WM Chief

Griffiths says he believes companies are failing to take advantage of the weak price of sterling by not investing time and funding into their export activities. With UK firms now 30% more competitive against international rivals than this time two years ago, the qualified mechanical engineer is adamant that the next four years could be a major boom time for local manufacturers, but the emphasis had to be on acting now. "During the roll-out of one of our recent emergency support programmes, we worked with more than 200 companies and asked them numerous questions about the strategic direction of their business," Griffiths explained. "When questioned, two thirds wanted to diversify into new products and markets, whereas only 7% saw export as a way of increasing their performance – a fact that really shocked me." He continued: "With the pound now at around €1.2 against the euro and just $1.45 against the dollar, we are structurally more competitive than we have been for ages. "Many companies are repatriating work and winning new orders across every manufacturing discipline imaginable. What we need is more firms following this example." Lack of market understanding, previous bad experiences, securing the right opportunities and addressing different business etiquettes are just some of the reasons holding manufacturers back. However, according to the head of MAS-WM, all of these issues could be overcome by firms tapping into specialist support on offer from his team of advisers and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). "Companies don't have to export on their own; there is help out there to assist them, not to mention similar organisations who have been there, done it and can advise on how to succeed overseas," added Griffiths, who has previously worked with Jaguar Land Rover and GKN.