Supply chain issues hindering post-pandemic recovery

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The post-pandemic recovery for UK SME manufacturers is being hindered by serious supply chain problems and recruitment challenges, warns the latest Manufacturing Barometer report.

post-pandemic

The Manufacturing Barometer, run by SWMAS (South West Manufacturing Advisory Service) and supported by the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), has found 96 per cent of its 260 respondents struggling with price changes within their supply chain.

Firms believe that rising costs are being driven by lack of raw materials availability (94 per cent), rising transport costs (82 per cent), and reduced capacity in the market to meet demand (63 per cent). Just under half (49 per cent) said they are struggling to find staff as they attempt to scale back up following the pandemic.

Upbeat Barometer points to growth for SME manufacturers

In a statement, Nick Golding, managing director of SWMAS, said: “The last quarter showed a considerable jump in confidence, from 44 per cent of respondents to 65 per cent expecting sales to grow in the next six months based on increasing demand.

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