Posted by guest blogger, David Raistrick, UK manufacturing industry leader for Deloitte, based in Leeds

Results of the latest survey of members of Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber shows a stong growth in export sales and orders amongst manufacturers and an increase in the number of businesses recruiting. Key findings show:

• Manufacturers reported 33% growth in export sales and 11% growth in export orders, the largest reported improvements in over two years
• Matched by a 27% increase in sales in the

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A cautious cup of seasonal cheer in that conditions in the UK’s manufacturing sector continued to improve in the final quarter. But the report by the manufacturers organisation EEF and professional services firm BDO states that signs of a strong rebound in 2010 remain elusive.

Just finished working through a report from PWC on The Future of UK Manufacturing. Hard going but some really interesting analysis and observations in there. As the report’s sub-heading puts it, reports of the death of manufacturing in the UK are greatly exaggerated but the sector faces major challenges if it is to retain critical mass in the long term.

It also bursts the bubble of some popular misconceptions. The…

The torrid impact of recession on the UK automotive industry was the theme taken up by Birkby’s Plastics chief exec Ian Parker at the MAS Manufacturing Convention.

Following the temporary closures of UK car plants, he described how the business went from shipping 140,000 components a day to just over 60,000 and how the assets, valued at over £4million when he was brought in to lead the management…

Soeren Vonsild, head of engineering at Leeds dairy products manufacturer Arla, reckons that the structures and processes within large corporate organisations are fundamentally opposed to innovation and entrepreneurship. Speaking at yesterday’s MAS Manufacturing Convention at Rudding Park, he described entrepreneurs as quick to spot an opportunity opportunity and quick to commit; people for whom there’s a direct relation between getting things done and reward.

But in the corporate…

Smart idea emerging from a conference organised by the Engineering Employers Federation – “The Bank of Making Things.”

Conference conclusion was that the UK banking system needs urgent overhaul (where have we heard that before?) if it is to support the growth of high value, innovative businesses. Arguing there was no time like the present, the EEF said that now there was an ideal opportunity for change with…

MAS Yorkshire & Humber’s Manufacturing Convention next month should not be missed.

Under the banner ‘Looking to the Future in Manufacturing’, an invaluable day of learning is promised.

You will be able to:

1. Pick up practical tips and advice from local companies and respected business leaders

2. Network with over 200 members of the local manufacturing community

3. Take away ideas about how to capitalise on potential opportunities for…