British manufacturing orders hit biggest high since the 1980s
Total order books for manufacturers have hit their highest level since August 1988, according to the CBI’s latest Industrial Trends Survey. The Survey takes soundings from 464 manufacturers across a broad array of manufacturing, from food, drink and tobacco to chemicals and more. Meanwhile, export orders reached a 22-year high, with similar peaks to those […]
‘UK and EU must listen to businesses during Brexit talks’
Minimising disruption to business should be a priority for the UK and EU governments during the Brexit negotiations, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Certainty on EU citizens in the UK – and UK citizens in the EU, consideration of the UK-Irish relationship and ultimately a comprehensive new economic partnership between the UK and the EU are among […]
Brit manufacturers see boost in export order books
UK manufacturer export order books have risen to their highest level in three years, according to the latest CBI Industry Trends Survey. Expectations for growth are high among Brit’s producers too – at a more than a two-decade high. 35% of manufacturers expect to raise prices A broad strengthening of manufacturing saw half of orders […]
Small and medium-sized manufacturers positive about export prospects, says CBI
Business optimism has edged higher for the UK’s small and medium-sized (SME) manufacturers over the past quarter, and sentiment regarding export prospects for the year ahead has risen strongly, according to the latest CBI Quarterly SME trends survey. Last week’s High Court decision that Parliament must have its say before Article 50 is triggered did […]
Leaving the EU has ‘heightened urgency to address skills shortage’
Ensuring everyone has the right skills for the workplace has been found the most pressing need for businesses according to a new survey. Over two thirds of firms struggle to fill highly-skilled roles, a record for the CBI/Pearson Education and Skills survey, which polls close to 500 companies. SMEs make up nearly a third of respondents, […]
Is it time for a modern manufacturing ‘Industrial Strategy’?
Greater collaboration – but not handouts – between government and the manufacturing industry can boost the wider economy and help tackle manufacturing decline, argues the CBI… The contrasting fortunes of the steel and automotive sectors have emphasised how collaborative relations between government and industry can mean the difference between turmoil and prosperity. That was the […]
Business craves stability as Britain decides to leave EU
In the hours after the UK has decided to leave the European Union, businesses are tackling the question: “What next?” The London stock exchange has perhaps predictably been rocked, down more than 8%. Perhaps most notably for UK importers and exporters is the collapse of the pound, falling significantly against the euro and dollar. This morning […]
Manufacturing market improving, says report
According to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trend Survey, the manufacturing market is stabilising due to consistent demand and increase of production. The recent survey showed that the total export of orders has risen (especially in the food, drinks and transport sectors) and that growth in output has continued. Although overseas demand is not specifically […]