The Recovery of UK Manufacturing
As a UK manufacturer of hygiene products, Orca is delighted to see the steady resurgence of UK manufacturing industries.
The covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on manufacturing industries around the world. Whilst a return to pre-covid manufacturing levels is likely to take a number of years, manufacturing in the UK is experiencing a slow paced recovery.
According to the Office of National Statistics, UK manufacturing industries and services showed a slow continued recovery and an increase in Gross Domestic Products (GDP) levels since April 2020. In April 2020 the UK’s monthly manufacturing GDP reached a post covid low and was down by 29.7% when compared to February’s pre-covid level. By August however, signs of recovery were visible with manufacturing GDP down just 8.5%, a notable improvement.
Whilst higher output has been seen across the board, some manufacturing sectors have fared better than others. 12 manufacturing industries, accounting for 23.7% of the UK’s manufacturing output have seen an overall positive growth since February. These sectors include pharmaceuticals, textiles, grain mill products and soaps and detergents.
As UK manufacturers continue to offer short lead times and reliable delivery schedules businesses are turning to them to fill gaps left by delay in production overseas. In a survey done by ‘Make it British’, 50% of British fashion and textile manufacturers reported an increase in new business enquiries since the start of the pandemic.
The resurgence of the virus and introduction of new restrictions has the potential to have major impact on manufacturing across the world. Turning to UK manufacturers for guaranteed supply and quick turnaround could help to keep businesses operating whilst furthering the recovery of our manufacturing industry.
