SMEs report continued growth

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector are still reporting levels of growth despite reports of a continued downturn.

The latest Manufacturing Advisory Services (MAS) National Barometer found that 53 per cent of respondents claimed to have seen orders grow in the last six months, while the same number anticipated a further upturn between now and the end of 2012.

The research showed that a third of companies surveyed are also looking to create new jobs while 71 per cent are looking to boost their turnover with exporting over the next 18 months.

MAS area director David Caddle commented: “The results are still showing positive signs of growth and expansion, although there are indications among SME manufacturers in England of a more cautious outlook going forward.

“This is not unexpected when you consider the recent economic forecasts and, historically, it takes a little longer for the slowdown to cascade its way down the supply chain and to the smaller companies."

However, he warned that companies need to keep their eye on the goal and avoid talking themselves into another downturn by looking at the bigger picture rather than paying too much attention to monthly swings in industry.