Supply chain boost lands aerospace contracts for Produmax
Posted by davidb on 16 May 2013
Filed under: Engineering, Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
16 May 2013
Precision engineering specialist Produmax has seen turnover grow to a record £4.75 million, after a 12-month period in which it has secured major new aerospace and defence contracts. A supplier to the aerospace, medical, military and telecoms industries, the company has invested £1 million in new technologies to win the contracts, one of which
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Survey to guage manufacturers’ thoughts on growth opportunities in 2013
Posted by davidb on 01 Mar 2013
Filed under: Manufacturing, Uncategorized
1 March 2013
Yorkshire Business Insider is inviting manufacturers in Yorkshire to take part in its Yorkshire Manufacturing Survey 2013. Manufacturing is shaking off its negative image and re-taking its rightful place at the very heart of business. But are manufacturers finding skilled workers to compete in a global marketplace? Can they secure adequate funding to grow? This
Growth on the agenda for Yorkshire and Humber manufacturers in 2013
Posted by davidb on 27 Feb 2013
Filed under: Manufacturing
27 February 2013
Latest figures from the Manufacturing Advisory Service show manufacturing SMEs in Yorkshire & Humber are optimistic for growth in 2013, reinforcing recent forecasts of an upturn in the sector. The MAS quarterly barometer reveals that 40% of companies questioned have seen an increase in their order books over the past six months, with a massive
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Otley campervan firm converts to Yorkshire supplier
Posted by davidb on 17 Jul 2012
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing, news
17 July 2012
Entrepreneur Robert McCandless, a partner in Otley-based Kiravans, has developed a new Yorkshire supply chain and is now on target to increase its turnover from £300k to in excess of £600k over the next 12 months. Kiravans, a mail order supplier to the campervan conversion trade, was set up by brothers Mike and Robert McCandless with
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UK manufacturing performing well in ‘tough circumstances’
Posted by davidb on 11 Jul 2012
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK manufacturing
11 July 2012
UK manufacturing output rose 1.2% between April and May despite ongoing problems in the global economy, according to the latest figures from the British Chambers of Commerce. New trade figures showed the defict in goods and services fell to £2.7bn in May compared to £4.1bn in April David Kern, chief economist at the British Chambers
Putting innovation at the core of manufacturing business
Posted by davidb on 23 May 2012
Filed under: Manufacturing, Uncategorized
23 May 2012
Fascinating presentation from Mark Edmonds, managing director of Gripple, on product innovation. The company is the market leader in steel wire joiners and tensioners and Mark described how the basic ‘gripple’ product, developed for use in agriculture to join and tension crop wires, has been adapted for new applications in construction, shop fitting and siesmic bracing.
MAS survey shows manufacturers increasing sales, creating jobs and investing more
Posted by davidb on 22 May 2012
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK manufacturing
22 May 2012
Manufacturing companies in Yorkshire and Humber are bucking sluggish growth forecasts with encouraging reports of increased sales and new jobs. More than half of respondents (53%) to the first ever Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) national barometer had seen turnover rise in the last six months, with 61% expecting further growth between now and the end
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Yorkshire manufacturers show resilience in face of weak demand
Posted by davidb on 17 May 2012
Filed under: Manufacturing
17 May 2012
Manufacturers across Yorkshire had been taking steps to preserve cash, manage commodity and staff costs and streamline their business in order to survive the prolonged period of weak demand in the wider economy, according to business consultancy Deloitte. As a result, they are showing resilience in the face of the double dip recession, with many radically
Hidden strengths, major challenges – Leeds manufacturing sector faces up to the future
Posted by davidb on 30 Mar 2012
Filed under: Leeds City Region, Manufacturing, UK manufacturing
30 March 2012
Skills, public sector procurement and supply chain development were the key themes on the agenda at this morning’s ‘Hidden Strengths’ debate, organised by Yorkshire Business Insider. “The Leeds City Region is one of the most important centres for financial and legal services but it also has one of the biggest manufacturing clusters outside London and
Order books weakening for manufacturers – CBI
Posted by davidb on 16 Dec 2011
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing, UK manufacturing, Uncategorized
16 December 2011
A new survey from the CBI says manufacturers are seeing order books weaken as a result of the continuing instability in the Eurozone.
Manufacturers expecting output growth despite volatility in financial markets
Posted by davidb on 28 Sep 2011
Filed under: Brewing, Engineering, Manufacturing, UK manufcturing
28 September 2011
UK manufacturers predict that production will continue to grow over the next three months despite order book levels slackening during September, according to the latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey from the CBI. Of 470 manufacturers surveyed, 22% described total orders as above normal, and 31% said they were below. The CBI says the resulting balance
Manufacturers face volatile material prices
Posted by Duncan Greenwood on 26 Aug 2011
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK manufcturing
26 August 2011
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
Manufacturing drives UK economic growth
Posted by davidb on 06 Jun 2011
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK economy
6 June 2011
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
Power generation industry making major investments
Posted by davidb on 01 Jun 2011
Filed under: Engineering, Leeds, Manufacturing
1 June 2011
Chinese manufacturer Power Link Machine Co has unveiled its new European HQ in Yorkshire, creating at least 15 new jobs. The fast growing international company is aiming for its UK operation, based at Sherburn Enterprise Park near Leeds, to grow to a turnover of £10m within two years. From its Yorkshire base Power Link is
Leeds manufacturers’ show of confidence
Posted by davidb on 26 May 2011
Filed under: Leeds, Manufacturing
26 May 2011
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
William Cook Holdings to invest £5 million in Leeds manufacturing site
Posted by davidb on 18 May 2011
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing, Recruitment, UK economy
18 May 2011
The verdict is still out on the prospects for the UK economy, according to Andrew Cook, chairman of William Cook Holdings, interviewed this week in the Yorkshire Post. But he is confident about the future for the family-owned steel castings manufacturer, which is investing £5 million in its Leeds site and expects to create up
Green light for continued manufacturing support from MAS in Yorkshire region
Posted by davidb on 16 May 2011
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
16 May 2011
Following a turbulent few months, funding has finally been secured which will enable the Manufacturing Advisory Service Yorkshire & Humber (MAS Y&H) to continue to play a vital role in supporting the region’s small and medium-sized manufacturers. MAS Y&H provides hands-on advice and support to manufacturing businesses to improve productivity and efficiency. It is jointly
Fewer administrations point to recovery but advisers warn of softening demand
Posted by Guest Blogger on 13 May 2011
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK economy
13 May 2011
Posted by guest blogger, David Raistrick UK manufacturing industry leader for Deloitte, based in Leeds The number of manufacturing companies falling into administration in the first quarter of this year declined by 18 per cent to 86 compared with 105 in the same period last year, according to research by Deloitte, the business advisory firm.
Optare makes new commitment to manufacturing in Yorkshire
Posted by davidb on 09 May 2011
Filed under: Automotive, Leeds, Manufacturing
9 May 2011
Bus manufacturer Optare has announced that it will keep its main manufacturing operation in Yorkshire after signing a 17 year lease on a new 140,000 sq ft factory in Sherburn in Elmet. It is the first new bus assembly plant to open in the UK for 40 years. Facilities at the new plant will allow the company
Manufacturing recovery remains on track
Posted by Duncan Greenwood on 04 May 2011
Filed under: Manufacturing
4 May 2011
The manufacturing recovery continues with home and overseas sales growing at their fastest for 15 years, according to the latest CBI survey. The survey reports 36% of manufacturers seeing output increase in the last three months and only 15% reporting falls. Companies are also predicting output growth remaining at the same pace with domestic
Under pressure: report highlights how business is responding to increasing cost pressures
Posted by davidb on 20 Apr 2011
Filed under: Leeds, Manufacturing, UK economy
20 April 2011
More than half of businesses in Leeds, York and North Yorkshire are under serious pressure to increase prices as a result of rising overheads, fuel and raw material costs according to research carried out by Leeds University Business School. But, aware of the potential impact on their competitiveness, rather than passing price rises on to
Distribution deal and acquisitions for Leeds manufacturers
Posted by davidb on 19 Apr 2011
Filed under: Healthcare, Leeds, Manufacturing
19 April 2011
Just Trays, the UK’s largest manufacurer of shower trays, has signed a deal with the leading supplier of quality bathrooms, tiles and plumbing materials across the Middle East and Central Asia. The Leeds company will work with Sanipex Group to distribute its products in the United Arab Emirates and Indian markets. The agreement, reported in the
PMI Reports Strong March Performance
Posted by Duncan Greenwood on 11 Apr 2011
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK economy
11 April 2011
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
Export growth drives £1 million investment in new Marpak production facility
Posted by davidb on 06 Apr 2011
Filed under: Leeds, Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
6 April 2011
A £1m production facility is being created by Marpak Extrusions, the Leeds-based industrial packaging business as it looks to to capitalise on an increase in exports. The new 10,000 sq ft factory, close to the Gelderd Business Park in Leeds, will create an initial 12 new jobs for £10m turnover company Marpak Extrusions. The news follows
Turner prizes investment, exports and technical skills
Posted by davidb on 22 Mar 2011
Filed under: Manufacturing, UK economy
22 March 2011
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
Please sir, the weather shrank my economy!
Posted by davidb on 27 Jan 2011
Filed under: Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing, UK economy
27 January 2011
Adverse weather conditions had a major impact on the UK economy in the last quarter, according to media pundits and economists. Why has snow hit the economy so badly this winter and how come manufacturing bucked the trend?
What’s a grommet? Reports point to happier new year for UK manufacturing
Posted by Duncan Greenwood on 07 Jan 2011
Filed under: Manufacturing
7 January 2011
The year 2010 ended with job vacancies in Yorkshire and the Humber 16.6% ahead of the previous year, according to work placement company Working Links (Yorkshire Post 29 January 2010). Job vacancies now stand at 244,000 – 2000 up on the previous three months, says the report, with energy leading the growth in vacancies and
Manufacturing: the unsung hero of the UK economy
Posted by davidb on 06 Dec 2010
Filed under: Engineering, Leeds, Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
6 December 2010
The CBI is calling for the Government to target 5% annual growth in the manufacturing sector as part of wide ranging proposals to secure the future of the sector set out in a new report published today. British manufacturing continues to report strong trading conditions with indicators for output remaining at record levels for the
Learning the lessons of engagement – now is our chance to change
Posted by Guest Blogger on 19 Nov 2010
Filed under: Business support, Guest Blogger, Leeds, Manufacturing
19 November 2010
Jeff Gold, Professor of Organisation Learning, Leeds Metropolitan University and Fellow of the Northern Leadership Academy argues that the changing business support regime offers the opportunity to rethink engagement with SMEs, particularly in the ‘hard to reach’ manufacturing sector.
China tunes in to British textiles
Posted by davidb on 15 Nov 2010
Filed under: Leeds, Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing, Music, Textiles
15 November 2010
Leeds textile manufacturer Hainsworth has racked up a £1 million order for China’s booming piano manufacuturing industry and expanding pool and snooker markets.
Manufacturers warned not to miss green opportunity
Posted by davidb on 05 Nov 2010
Filed under: Engineering, Manufacturing, Textiles
5 November 2010
Coronation Street’s Kevin Webster may be Britain’s most famous ‘engineer’ but while manufacturing in the UK continues to fly under the radar in terms of public perception it continues to make a massive contribution to the economy. The sector employs 2.5 million people in the UK and in June 2010 generated £22 billion in exports.
Textile firm opens new production facility in Leeds
Posted by davidb on 05 Nov 2010
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing, Textiles
One of Yorkshire’s oldest textile companies has invested in a brand new manufacturing plant in Guiseley, Leeds. The move is part of a growing trend towards bringing overseas production back to the UK. Laxtons specialist yarns, both Worsted and Fancy, are now being manufactured at the new production facility, believed to be the first factory
Smart move for school uniform manufacturer
Posted by davidb on 11 Oct 2010
Filed under: Leeds, Manufacturing, Textiles, Uncategorized
11 October 2010
MORE than 20 new jobs have been created at a Yorkshire school uniform company thanks to a strategy combining traditional garment tailoring and niche internet retailing. Specialising in school uniforms, Perry Uniform, based in Bramley, Leeds, has grown significantly over the past two years and is on target to achieve annual sales of £2.5m. The
Award for Taylor-made card business
Posted by davidb on 11 Oct 2010
Filed under: Manufacturing, Print and publishing
Congratulations go to Sue Taylor, owner of Leeds-based Craftwork Cards, who picked up the award for manufacturing business woman of the year at the Women in Business Awards organised by Forward Ladies, the networking organisation for women in business. A recent deal with TV shopping channel QVC promises to grow the turnover of the £1.2m
Seeing Things More Clearly
Posted by Duncan Greenwood on 07 Oct 2010
Filed under: Manufacturing
7 October 2010
Leading glass packaging manufacturers in Leeds and the wider Leeds City Region are throwing their considerable weight behind the new British Glass campaign to keep glass on retail shelves. The move is based on a Europe-wide survey that revealed 70% of UK shoppers want more glass packaging and, quite apart from protecting valuable jobs in
Reasons to be cheerful
Posted by Duncan Greenwood on 06 Sep 2010
Filed under: Engineering, Manufacturing
6 September 2010
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.
Local sourcing can be key to competitiveness
Posted by Ian Williams on 03 Sep 2010
Filed under: Furniture, Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
3 September 2010
SOURCING products from manufacturers in Yorkshire instead of looking overseas could save companies thousands of pounds a year, according to Ian Williams, Chamber of Commerce chief.
News media pay attention to manufacturing?
Posted by davidb on 03 Sep 2010
Filed under: Manufacturing
Good to see the regional business news media giving recognition to the regions’ manufacturing sector, with the recent launch by The Business Desk of a dedicated ‘Manufacturing’ news channel. There’s been a lot of talk in recent months, particularly in the run up to the elections, about manufacturing leading the UK out of recession. But there’s
Mixed Manufacturing Messages
Posted by Duncan Greenwood on 04 Aug 2010
Filed under: Manufacturing
4 August 2010
Manufacturing continues to perform well, but with some uncertainty ahead, according to two surveys published today. The Engineering Employers Federation and accountants BDO LLP report that manufacturing firms outperformed expectations this year but face greater global uncertainty and financial market volatility ahead. The sector is predicted to outstrip the rest of the economy, growing by
Leeds print firm making its mark
Posted by davidb on 03 Aug 2010
Filed under: Manufacturing
3 August 2010
News today that Leeds-based Resource Print Solutions is set to become a major player in the web to print arena following advice from the Manufacturing Advisory Service Yorkshire and Humber. The management of the company has invested £250,000 into the business and new jobs have been created. Read more>>>
Deloitte launches global manufacturing competitiveness index
Posted by Guest Blogger on 13 Jul 2010
Filed under: Guest Blogger, Manufacturing
13 July 2010
Posted by guest blogger, David Raistrick, UK manufacturing industry leader for Deloitte, based in Leeds Our global manufacturing competitiveness index reveals that the UK, US, Japan and Western European countries are expected to become less competitive over the next five years, as China, India and Korea maintain their leading positions. The UK is currently ranked
Yorkshire Resilient Nature Paying Off
Posted by Guest Blogger on 04 Jun 2010
Filed under: Manufacturing, Uncategorized
4 June 2010
Blog from Jason Whitworth, partner and manufacturing expert based at BDO in Leeds There’s no denying the region’s manufacturing businesses have had a tough time, but we are starting to see Yorkshire’s resilient nature pay off, as more companies report signs of improving demand and are looking to the future with greater confidence about prospects
Carbon and People Key to Future of Manufacturing
Posted by Guest Blogger on 20 May 2010
Filed under: Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing
20 May 2010
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
Call for ‘Minister of Manufacturing’ as Output Rises
Posted by davidb on 12 May 2010
Filed under: Leeds Manufacturing News, Manufacturing
12 May 2010
UK Manufacturing recorded its strongest growth for 23 years in March, according to the National Institute for Economic and Social Research. Manufacturing output grew by 2.3% in March – the sharpest rise since 1987 – strengthening growth within the wider economy and suggesting that the recovery is more secure than previously thought. The rise in
Learn to organise, organise to learn
Posted by Guest Blogger on 16 Apr 2010
Filed under: Guest Blogger, Manufacturing
16 April 2010
Jeff Gold, Professor of Organisation Learning, Leeds Metropolitan University and Fellow of the Northern Leadership Academy talks about the need for learning and change in business and the challenges this presents for SMEs.
Challenges Ahead for Manufacturing
Posted by Guest Blogger on 13 Apr 2010
Filed under: Guest Blogger, Manufacturing
13 April 2010
Posted by guest blogger, David Raistrick, UK manufacturing industry leader for Deloitte, based in Leeds
Leeds Chamber members survey shows strong growth
Posted by davidb on 25 Jan 2010
Filed under: Automotive, Engineering, Manufacturing
25 January 2010
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
Cautious Cup of Seasonal Cheer
Posted by Duncan Greenwood on 08 Dec 2009
Filed under: Manufacturing
8 December 2009
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.
The Future of UK Manufacturing
Posted by davidb on 25 Nov 2009
Filed under: Automotive, Chemicals, Electronics, Engineering, Manufacturing
25 November 2009
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
Ian Parker is no BIMBO!
Posted by davidb on 13 Nov 2009
Filed under: Manufacturing
13 November 2009
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,