Manufacturers in Yorkshire & the Humber have seen output recover to almost a sixth higher (14%) than that recorded in 2019, according to the latest snapshot of the sector’s contribution to the region’s economy.
The Make UK/BDO Annual Regional Manufacturing Outlook report shows the importance of the manufacturing sector to the Yorkshire & Humber economy, accounting for almost a sixth (13%) of the region’s total output. It also contributes 280,000 highly skilled jobs, 10% of the region’s employment overall.
Three major sectors account for almost half of manufacturing production with the largest being the food and drink sector, worth almost a quarter (19.1%) of industrial output in the region. This is followed by the metals sector (largely steel) at 15.1% and then chemicals at 10%.
In 2024 Yorkshire & Humber was responsible for 6% of the UK’s total goods exports (up from 5% in 2023) with the EU being the dominant destination (56%), making it one the most dependent of any English region or devolved nation. This is followed by North America (17%) and Asia & Oceania (13%).
Dawn Huntrod, region director for Make UK in the North, said: “Industry remains critical to the growth of the Yorkshire & Humber economy, providing high value, high skill jobs and aiding the process of creating wealth across the region.
“The Government has made a welcome bold statement of its intent to tackle the UK’s anaemic growth at national and regional level with its industrial and trade strategies. This should now be allied with the local growth strategies and priorities of each region, including infrastructure and innovation, together with other measures to ensure the UK is an attractive place to do business.”
Steve Talbot, head of manufacturing in Yorkshire at BDO, added: “The government has made clear that their industrial strategy is proudly place based and these results remind us that manufacturing in the Yorkshire & Humber is a great place to start.
“Accounting for a sixth of the region’s output and ten per cent of its employment, manufacturing is undoubtedly vital to the continued growth of the region.
“What these businesses need now is targeted investment and support to locate new trading partners, boost export levels and bridge the skills gap.”
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