Raw material costs and shortages are driving manufacturers to make ‘radical’ changes to how they work, according to a survey released by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and RBS.

The survey shows that almost half of companies have redesigned products or processes in response to rising materials prices and 40% admitted to substituting some inputs with cheaper alternatives. Nearly two-thirds of companies have sought different sourcing options with just over 4…

Do you think the government is doing enough to support UK manufacturing? Find out what business secretary Vince Cable and shadow secretary John Denhma have to say on the subject in the new Financial Times video Firing up British manufacturing. As the government attempts to rebalance the UK economy towards manufacturing, debate arounf industrial policy has moved high up the political agenda. But will regional growth programmes and…

Symington’s, the Leeds-based food business, has added to its portfolio of leading names by acquiring the Chicken Tonight and Ragu brands.

The purchase of the two names from Unilever by the Leeds-based business is expected to boost its annual gross sales to around £150m.

It follows the recent acquisition of salad crouton brand La Rochelle and the re-introduction of the Campbell’s soup brand to British supermarket shelves by Symington’s.

Other…