Manufacturing SMEs buck trend for growth and jobs

Over half of respondents to the first ever Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) National Barometer reported a 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 as one of the few sectors actually showing positive growth. Business Minister Mark Prisk said: "A key element of the government's support for manufacturers is our investment in MAS, which is offering real support to businesses to strengthen their operations and grow. I am delighted to hear of the success of Barkley Plastics and other SMEs helped by MAS in increasing sales, creating new jobs and investing in new technology to keep ahead of global competition." Simon Griffiths, MAS area director for North and West, commented on the findings: "This is the clearest indication yet that our manufacturers are enjoying increases in sales and, reassuringly, they expect this trend to continue. Investment by the major oems 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." Barkley Plastics, which employs 94 people in the West Midlands, was one of the companies questioned. The design, tooling and moulding specialists has seen steady growth in the automotive, medical and household products markets and anticipates an increase in sales over the next six months. The company's director Maurice Cassidy, said: "The Barometer reinforces what we are seeing in our own business and across other suppliers and partners. We have continued to pick up new work and are now looking to build on this with a £460,000 investment drive in a new machining centre, conventional injection and micro moulding machines, additional robotics and state of the art measuring capabilities. "From talking to a number of existing and potential clients we are expecting growth in key industries and this will certainly involve taking on new members of staff to cope with demand."