Survey reveals management concerns

A major skills shortage, tight profit margins and the threat of low cost offshore manufacturing are the top three challenges for the UK manufacturing sector this year.

These are some of the conclusions generated by a survey of 400 interim managers specialising in manufacturing, commissioned by interim management provider, Russam GMS.

Eighty-six per cent of interim managers claimed there was an industry-wide skills shortage and over half believed that the greatest skills gap was in general management. One in five also thought that employees with change management skills were needed, and 18 per cent felt there was a lack of good project management skills in the industry.

When asked what issues are worrying managers working in manufacturing the most at present – 35 per cent stated that it was tightening profit margins; whilst 34 per cent said that low cost off-shore manufacturing was the most significant threat. Increased EU regulations, a lack of skilled employees, rising interest rates and reliance on export markets were also causes for concern.