Manufacturing Outlook Report

Industry surges as accelerating recovery takes hold with both manufacturing output and confidence levels reaching record highs

After a positive start to the year, our latest figures indicate that the sector’s growth has continued this quarter. Although the sector remains below its pre-pandemic level, increased confidence is sweeping across UK manufacturing. Output growth is forecast to outpace the economy overall as manufacturers benefit from a sharper than expected bounce back in both UK and export orders. 

Our Q2 2021 Manufacturing Outlook report updates on the activities of UK manufacturers exactly one year on from the record-breaking lows reported in Q2 2020. Over the 12 months, the sector has shown resilience, adjusting to the uncertain environment and rebuilding slowly. 

Against a backdrop of challenges – supply chain delays, shortages of key materials, rising inflation and logistical costs - we explore manufacturers’ confidence in their business and the wider economy. We also examine manufacturing output, orders, investment and employment intentions in this edition of Manufacturing Outlook, our quarterly report with Make UK.

Download our latest report below for the most up-to-date and detailed UK manufacturing, subsector and regional insights.

 

Download Q2 Report

If you would like to discuss any of the topics raised in this report, please do not hesitate to contact Richard Austin or your usual BDO Manufacturing partner.

Image credit: © University of Southampton. Mechanical Engineering.