Results from the latest Manufacturing Barometer Survey - comment from Simon Howes, MAS Area Director-South

As we look forward to the year ahead, we recognise the crucial role that manufacturing will continue to play in the nation’s economic recovery and are encouraged to see signs of positive growth and output from recent industry surveys.

Our latest Barometer survey, which collects information from South West manufacturers on a quarterly basis, provides a snapshot of manufacturing trends as well as an overview of economic conditions and sector issues.

The article 'Recruitment and Investment on the horizon for south west manufacturers' sets out the key findings. Thank you to those who continue to give up a few minutes of their time every quarter to complete our Barometer. It is a vital tool that enables us to gain a first-hand understanding of the challenges you are facing and we hope you find the results useful too.