Recruitment and investment on the horizon for South West manufacturers

These robust findings underpin positive reports on sales turnover and order books over the last six months. More than half (51 per cent) of respondents to the latest barometer, which covers the third quarter of the financial year (October to December 2011), reported an increase in sales and almost half (49 per cent) reported increased order books during this period.

Commenting on the findings, Simon Howes, MAS Area Director-South, said: “It is heartening to see South West manufacturers continuing to report positive results despite the challenging economic climate. This is a clear reflection of the ambition and tenacity of manufacturers in the region.

“MAS is committed to helping manufacturers unlock their growth potential. We want companies to increase employee numbers and invest more in technology. With barometer respondents reporting increases in each of these sectors compared to one year ago, we are confident that manufacturers in the South West will recognise and capitalise on opportunities to grow.

“It will also be particularly interesting to see if the 41 per cent of barometer respondents that expect their sales turnover to increase during the next six months actually achieve this realistic level of growth. South West manufacturers have exceeded their sales forecasts every quarter for the last two years with the exception of just two quarters, so the outlook is more encouraging than may be perceived.”

These barometer results come just as the latest figures from Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply’s (CIPS) index survey show a positive outlook for the manufacturing sector at the start of 2012. According to CIPS’ findings, during January the sector expanded at its quickest rate since March 2011.

The Manufacturing Barometer is designed to provide a snapshot of regional manufacturing trends as well as an overview of economic conditions and sector issues. Following its success in the South West of England, MAS plans to roll the survey out nationally.