Britain’s manufacturers are continuing to drive UK economic growth on the back of export-led demand, with manufacturers optimistic about growth prospects in the short term, according to the second quarter 2011 Manufacturing Outlook survey published today by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and BDO LLP.

The survey shows output and orders balances turned out as strong as expected in the last quarter, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth. And…

The majority of manufacturing firms in the Leeds City Region who attended a keynote business breakfast in Leeds this week say they are planning to invest for growth this year. Nearly every firm at the Leeds Manufacturing breakfast seminar said they have growth plans in 2011.

While the skills gap and over-regulation present continuing problems for manufacturing companies, management from firms including…

Continued improved regional business conditions are marked in the latest Lloyds TSB Yorkshire and the Humber Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report, despite rising raw materials cost increases continuing to affect the private sector.

According to the report, both input and new business increased strongly during the month with new orders growth the fastest since April 2004.

Phil Hawker, area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Yorkshire, said: “The Yorkshire and…

Recession, according to economist Dennis Turner, is the time when even those people who had no intention of paying you stop buying. The most recent recession may be over and, while those who still have no intention of paying may be placing orders again, the more serious issue the economy faces is how we are going to pay our way as a country.

According to Turner, chief economist…

A new report from the Engineering Employers Federation claims manufacturing firms are enjoying buoyant trading conditions amid rising demand from overseas customers.

 The EEF forecasts manufacturing growth of 3.7% this year and 3.2% in 2011, driven by the strength of overseas markets.

Two words – ‘carbon’ and ‘people’ sum up the biggest challenges facing manufacturing, according to CEO and chaiman of GSM Group Barry Dodd. Speaking this week at a manufacturing lunch organised by Leeds Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by law firm Irwin Mitchell, he argued that rising fuel costs in energy and logistics combined with new ‘carbon taxes’ will make it critical for business,…

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

…