Understanding your industry: Manufacturing

At Blue Octopus, we understand how important industry knowledge is to stay relevant in an ever-changing, shifting world. With over 10 years’ experience, we are dedicated to driving progression – for both our clients, and their potential talent.

In light of changing market dynamics, the UK Manufacturing industry is currently facing many new challenges – as well as opportunities.

The current global environment is unhelpful, and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit is certainly also a big consideration for many businesses right now. US-China trade issues have added to the slowdown in world growth, with the result that factories everywhere are under pressure to cut production.

Brexit uncertainty is obviously the second biggest consideration, with many businesses slowing down investment in the run-up to the October deadline for the UK’s departure from the European Union.

• UK factory output dives to seven-year low as Brexit fears rise
  The monthly snapshot from IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply showed that activity fell in August 2019 to the lowest levels since July 2012. The report found that EU-based customers were shunning British manufacturers and rerouting supply chains away from the UK as the likelihood of border disruption after 31 October increased.
• Manufacturers and retailers highlight potential impact of tariffs and border delays amid ‘no-deal’ fearsThe number of UK companies including warnings over Brexit in their annual reports has more than doubled in the past six months as the threat of a no-deal exit from the EU has increased. Companies operating in the Manufacturing and Retail sectors mentioned Brexit the most, highlighting the impact that potential tariffs and border delays could have on businesses that rely on “just in time” delivery of supplies.
• Freeports could bolster UK manufacturing, create jobs and benefit employers post Brexit
  Port Zones UK – a new coalition of British airport and seaport operators – has published a report calling on the Government to grant special economic status to airports and seaports in order to stimulate international investment, reshore manufacturing and ultimately lower prices for consumers in a post-Brexit Britain. The UK Government has announced it is planning to create 10 free ports across the UK after Brexit allowing firms to import goods and then re-export them outside normal tax and customs rules.
• Manufacturers must invest in cyber defences against today’s sophisticated cyber threats
  60% of UK manufacturers have been the victim of cyber-crime, and a third of those have suffered financial loss or disruption to business as a result. The Manufacturing sector is the fifth most targeted for cyber-crime in 2019, behind government systems and finance. As manufacturers invest in new smart 4.0 Industry technologies, they must also consider effective cyber defences to help protect against increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.
• The Government has announced £250 million funding to help the UK steel industry transition to a low carbon alternative
  The funding is part of £390 million government funding to help industry cut emissions and achieve ‘net zero’ in accordance with the UK Climate Change Act. Steel making accounts for around 15% of industry emissions in the UK.