Manufacturing output and new order growth slow in March as business optimism dips to 14-month low
The end of the opening quarter saw a marked growth slowdown in the UK manufacturing sector. Output and new orders both expanded at reduced rates in March, while new export business contracted for the second successive month. Manufacturers indicated that ongoing
supply shortages, greater caution among clients, escalating inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions had all hampered the upturn.
The seasonally adjusted S&P Global / CIPS UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) slipped to a 13-month low of 55.2 in March, down from a three-month high of 58.0
in February. The flash estimate was 55.5.
All five of the PMI sub-components had a negative influence on its level in March. Along with weaker growth of output and new orders, there were slower upturns in both stocks of
purchases and employment and a lessening in the extent to which average supplier lead times were lengthening.
Manufacturing production expanded for the twenty-second month in a row. However, the rate of increase eased to a five-month low, as growth decelerated across the consumer,
intermediate and investment goods industries. The extent of the slowdown was especially marked at consumer goods producers.
New orders rose at the slowest pace during the current 14-month sequence of increase in March. There were reports that growth of domestic demand was less robust, while new
export orders contracted for the sixth time in the past seven months. Lower intakes of work from overseas were linked to rising geopolitical tensions, ongoing difficulties following Brexit and sales lost due to distribution delays.
Manufacturers also faced escalating cost inflationary pressures in March. Input prices rose for the twenty-eighth consecutive month, with the rate of increase hitting a three-month high. Rates of increase accelerated across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods industries, and remained well above long-run averages.
Companies reported a wide-range of goods as up in price, as rising demand for inputs met supply chain constraints, material shortages, higher energy costs and rising geopolitical
tensions. There was also mention of transportation issues, surcharges and exchange rates contributing to higher costs.
Shortages and rising prices at suppliers also contributed to increased costs. Vendor lead times lengthened for the thirty third consecutive month and again to one of the greatest
extents in the survey history. That said, there were further signs that supply bottlenecks had passed their peak, as delivery delays were at their lowest for almost one and a half years (October 2020).
Manufacturers passed part of the increase in costs on to clients in the form of higher charges. Average selling prices rose at the quickest pace in three months, with steeper increases registered at consumer, intermediate and investment goods producers.
March saw employment expand for the fifteenth consecutive month. Increased hirings were seen across the consumer, intermediate and investment goods industries and at small,
medium and large-sized companies. Higher staffing reflected increased output, improved demand and efforts to address labour shortages. Purchasing activity and stocks of inputs
also rose, in some cases due to risk mitigation strategies.
Finally, manufacturers maintained a positive outlook in March, with over 55% forecasting that output would rise over the coming 12 months. However, positive sentiment fell sharply to a 14-month low. Companies voiced concerns about rising geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and labour shortages.
Commenting on the latest survey results, Rob Dobson, director at S&P Global, said: “March saw a marked growth slowdown in the UK manufacturing sector, with rates of expansion for
production and new orders both easing and new export business suffering back-to-back declines. The slowdown in consumer goods output was especially marked.
“Manufacturers are being hit by several headwinds simultaneously, as supply shortages, greater caution among clients, escalating inflationary pressures, ongoing Brexit factors and rising geopolitical tensions all hamper the upturn. It is therefore little surprise that business optimism has slumped to a 14-month low.
“The inflationary picture also provides no signs of inflation pressures abating, with the already elevated rates of increase in input costs and selling prices both re-accelerating. Job creation is holding up better though, with a further solid increase seen in March, as companies continue to respond to continued growth and address ongoing labour shortages. However, such strong hiring looks unsustainable in the face of the mounting headwinds.”
Duncan Brock, group director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “A muted end to the first quarter of 2022, with flatter levels of production and the softest growth in manufacturing for over a year.
“While new order expansion continued in March largely driven by the domestic market, clients hesitated to commit due to strong rises in prices and potentially further disruption to supplies. Pipelines of work from overseas also took a hit and fell for the sixth time in just over half a year as Brexit customs added to the impacts on UK supply chains.
“This triple whammy particularly impacted the consumer goods sector as reluctant shoppers worried about energy costs, national insurance rises and the elevated cost of
food, ruled out shopping for household appliances, clothing and vehicles.
“The sudden weakness creeping into the sector, meant downcast manufacturers showed the lowest optimism for the strength of the marketplace since January 2021. After
building up stocks and staff capacity in readiness for a stronger recovery, the war in Ukraine and subsequent shortages threatens to undo the good work achieved so far.”
ABP continues support for Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University
Associated British Ports is to continue as a Platinum Partner of Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University. ABP is supporting the charity as it works to ensure children attending school in some of the UK’s most deprived areas, have access to amazing opportunities to help them discover new interests and talents, whilst building self-esteem and confidence.
Across the pandemic the charity had to pause its usual programme of engaging activities and events, to ensure children from disadvantaged backgrounds had support in other ways. During 2020 and 2021 the charity delivered more than 8,750 wellbeing packs and education packs, along with 817 laptops and tablets to local families, ensuring children could access their school’s remote learning programme during periods of lockdown.
Simon Bird, Director at ABP Humber, said: “ABP and HEY Children’s University have been partners for many years. I really commend the team and their volunteers for the incredible support they gave to families across the pandemic. There is no doubt that the Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University team have made a huge impact on the lives of many disadvantaged children. ABP is delighted that we are able to continue to support the charity with their vital work, both in Hull and the East Riding.”
Hull and East Yorkshire Children’s University Partnership Manager, Rose James said: “ABP has been one of HEY Children’s University’s Platinum Partners for several years. The past couple years have been tough and thanks to partners like ABP, we are still able to work with the same number of children that we were working with prior to the pandemic, totalling nearly 8,000. Without their continued support, working with that many children would have been out of our reach.
As part of their sponsorship, ABP will be sending 30 children on an experience of a lifetime to Edinburgh, where they will stay the night. They will also be welcoming the children back to the Port of Hull, where they will learn all about ABP’s Humber Ports, and how important the Humber Estuary is. We also hope to start up our annual Humber Cruises again next year.”
Rate relief deadline extended to give Bradford businesses last chance to apply
Bradford Council is urging local companies to take advantage of a business rate relief scheme aimed at helping them after the impact of COVID-19 last year.
The new closing date will be midnight of Easter Monday, 18 April 2022.
The £10.4m COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF) is a local scheme to help small businesses who did not get any other business support during Covid and there are still many qualifying businesses who are still to apply.
Even if you have already paid your 2021/22 business rates, you could be in line for credit against future business rate payments from this Government backed fund.
To find out if your business is eligible, visit this webpage and complete a quick and simple application form.
Martin Stubbs, Bradford Council’s Revenues and Benefits Assistant Director, said: “We know that every penny is important to local businesses and being able to secure business rate relief might make a real difference to their income over the last difficult year.
“I’d urge businesses who have not already come forward to apply as we want to make sure our local businesses have every opportunity to recover and grow now that COVID-19 restrictions have been eased.
“If you are a small manufacturer, run a workshop or have an office based business like an accountant or a solicitor, you could be entitled for this support.”
FMG’s experience in roadside repair and recovery services to be complemented by new acquisition
FMG, the incident management and roadside services specialist, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Redde Northgate plc, has acquired GRG Public Resources Limited, a specialist in the provision of 24 hour, year round call handling for vehicle removal and emergency boarding of premises for the blue-light industry.
The acquisition provides a platform for FMG to expand and evolve existing services into the blue-light arena, with GRG being synonymous with the effective and efficient handling of police and fire services contracts. GRG will enhance the breadth and customer proposition of the Huddersfield-based business, operating in complementary market conditions and bringing a further depth of knowledge and expertise through the addition of GRG operatives and skilled personnel.
Commenting on the acquisition, Claire Owens, FMG Managing Director, said: “We continue to work hard to position FMG at the forefront of the industries in which we operate; providing first-class sustainable solutions for our clients and customers. We are delighted to complete the acquisition of GRG, placing us as a real front-runner in this market as our customers’ needs evolve.
“The acquisition ensures we remain robust for the long-term, with the addition of VRO’s, the continued ability for fast and complete geographic coverage, the harnessing of first-class proprietary systems and importantly, the investment in skilled and experienced personnel to ensure our customers remain delighted with efficiency and knowledge-led solutions. I’d like to welcome the GRG team to FMG and the wider Redde Northgate family, and look forward to enhancing this important area of the business.”
Grant funding helps manufacturer tune in to new phase of growth
A family-run manufacturing company, which has served Sheffield for over 50 years, is hoping to tune in to a new phase of growth after securing grant funding from the South Yorkshire Business Productivity Programme.
Blake UK designs, supplies and manufactures a wide range of aerials, CCTV systems, Wi-Fi signal boosting equipment and networking products for domestic and commercial use. Many of Blake’s products are manufactured at the company’s Rutland Road headquarters, but faced with increasing competition, notably from overseas manufacturers, the senior management team realised that, to achieve its ambitious growth objectives, a strategic review of its operations was required.
Following a presentation at a business seminar, Managing Director Paul Blake decided to approach Business Sheffield for support. Working together with a business adviser made the process of scrutinising the way in which the business operated much easier. Their work revealed that, as Paul had suspected, many of the systems and processes used within the business needed radical improvement.
With the aim of making the entire company paperless, Paul applied to the Business Productivity Grant Programme for help. Working with key account manager Andrew Sorsby, he secured a match funded grant, which has been used to purchase new equipment to improve the company’s manufacturing process. At the same time the company’s computer systems were upgraded, vastly improving the company’s manufacturing process and stock level monitoring.
Since implementing these changes, the company has experienced a measurable increase in productivity. One of the key benefits is that it allowed Blake to cost-effectively diversify its product range and capitalise on new opportunities. To meet this rise in demand, the company has also recruited two new apprentices to help retain the vital skills needed within the business.
As a direct result of the support received from the Business Productivity Grant, Blake UK has been able to successfully eliminate substantial amounts of waste – and costs. The introduction of a paperless order processing system, as well as consolidating and streamlining processes elsewhere within the company’s manufacturing, warehousing and sales operations has helped Blake UK to save the business approximately 16 hours per month, as well as a further 24 hours per month as a result of the improved management processes.
Paul Blake, Managing Director, Blake UK, said: “Many businesses in our market rely upon products manufactured overseas; however, we’re proud of our long association with Sheffield and the fact that a big proportion of our ranges continues to be made in the city. We had come to the conclusion that some of the systems we used to manage the business were no longer fit for purpose. Inevitably, the more you delve into these issues, the more you realise the impact they are having on productivity.
“When I approached Business Sheffield to discuss the challenges we were facing, our key account manager suggested that our business may be eligible for help under the Business Productivity Programme. I was delighted to find out that our application had been accepted, and since securing the grant, we’ve also been able to implement software that allows all aspects of the business to be viewed holistically.
“Moving to paperless systems has helped us to reduce the amount of waste we generate, and as a direct result of the improved processes we’ve implemented we’ve seen demand for our products rise. We also expanded our workforce as a result, creating two new apprenticeships within the business.
“The impact of this project has exceeded all of our expectations. The new software means we can manage the team much more effectively, and diversify the product range, which has resulted in a significant increase in new orders.”
Andrew Sorsby, key account manager, Business Sheffield, said: “The Business Productivity Programme was developed to help businesses across South Yorkshire overcome barriers to growth. For Blake UK, this meant upgrading some equipment the company needed to improve its manufacturing processes, as well as replacing manual systems with digital ones, not only helping to reduce waste in the business, but also helping the company to identify and overcome the challenges it faced within its supply chains.
“The net result has been an increase in orders secured, and new jobs have been created, but perhaps most importantly of all, the technology embraced by the company has helped it to successfully prepare for future growth and cement its position as one of the UK’s leading operators within a highly competitive marketplace.”
Blake UK was founded by Paul’s father Ron in 1971 as Blake Aerials. The company changed its name in 2002 to reflect the increasingly diverse range of products it manufactures and sources. Today, the company employs 24 people in its Sheffield headquarters and supplies its products throughout the UK.
South Yorkshire Chambers call for Government action of ‘cost-of-doing-business’ crisis
In a joint statement the CEOs of Doncaster, Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham Chambers of Commerce say it’s a testament to the strength of our businesses in South Yorkshire that, despite the tough backdrop, many remain optimistic about their prospects for growth – but costs are continually driven upwards.
In a letter to Government the CEOs say: “The major story is the relentless rise in the cost of doing business. The majority of businesses responding to our landmark survey, the QES, expect prices to rise in the next three months. Six in ten cited inflation as a major concern compared to four in ten just last quarter.
“The ongoing rise in prices for raw materials and fuel explains some of this sentiment. But a hike in national insurance payments and the change to the energy bill cap were also on the horizon. We saw some positive moves to address rising costs in the Spring Statement like the cut in fuel duty that will support our logistics sector. But it’s not too late to move further – introducing an energy cap for small businesses would broaden the range of companies receiving support.
“Our survey shows that cost pressures can encourage some businesses to innovate. But the bigger driver of innovation – which underpins the long-term health of our economy – are the changes businesses make to serve more customers and bigger markets. On this, government can make a big, positive step by awarding Doncaster as the home of the new Great British Railways HQ. South Yorkshire’s rail and logistics cluster has huge growth potential for our region and the UK. GBR would open up many new opportunities for business investment and industry collaboration.”
Highlights from the South Yorkshire Quarterly Economic Survey:
- The share of firms reporting growth in domestic sales fell from 46% to 38% but the greater number 47% saw no change. The share of firms reporting a decline in exports exceeded those reporting growth for the first time since Q1 2021.
- South Yorkshire businesses continue to report a tight labour market. Businesses indicate strong intentions to hire but most who try experience recruitment difficulties (93%).
- Pressure on finances are strongly evident: 21% of businesses report worsening cashflow this quarter, compared to 19% over the last three quarters. 61% of businesses expect prices to increase in the next three months, the highest proportion since the beginning of 2020.
- Four out of five South Yorkshire businesses spent less than 10% of turnover on innovation costs in the last 12 months. Around 75% of South Yorkshire businesses predict that they will spend less than 10% of turnover on innovation in the next 12 months.
Industrial real estate developer plans for 417,570 sq ft scheme at Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Panattoni, the industrial real estate developer, is planning to develop one of the largest speculative logistics facilities in South Yorkshire.
The development, called Panattoni Doncaster 420, will be a 417,570 sq ft facility at GatewayEast, Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Panattoni has acquired the 18.4-acre site, which has outline planning consent, from Peel Land and Property.
Panattoni expects to start construction later this year with the intention of delivering the facility in Summer 2023.
Panattoni Doncaster 420 is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings. Occupiers will also benefit from a range of standard sustainability features and green build options.
Dan Burn, development director at Panattoni, said: “This well-located site with direct access to local, regional and global markets is a superb addition to our speculative development programme.
“South Yorkshire is rapidly forging a reputation as one of the UK’s prime distribution locations. Record take up across Yorkshire in 2021 has resulted in the supply of units over 100,000 sq ft dipping to the lowest level ever seen.”
Burbage Realty acted for Panattoni.
Inflationary pressures reach uncharted territory
The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1 2022 – the independent survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth – shows inflationary pressures on firms reaching levels never previously recorded in its 33-year history.
The survey of over 5,600 firms also revealed a continuing stagnation in the proportion of firms reporting increased domestic sales and investment, while cashflow weakened slightly in Q1.
42% of respondents overall reported increased domestic sales in Q1, down from 45% in Q4. 18% reported a decrease, up from 16% the previous quarter.
62% of firms expect their prices to rise in the next three months, which is another record high figure for this metric and an increase from 58% in Q4. Only 1% overall expect a decrease in their prices.
For production & manufacturing firms, this rises to 75% and stands at 75% for retailers and wholesalers, 70% for construction firms, and 72% for transport and distribution firms. These are also the highest on record.
When firms were asked what pressures they were facing to raise prices, from a list of factors, 92% of manufacturers cited raw materials, 56% cited other overheads (the majority of respondents comments related to energy costs and transport costs), 34% cited pay settlements, and 19% cited finance costs.
When asked what was more of a concern to their business than three months ago, 77% of firms cited inflation which was the highest on record and a rise from 66% in Q4.
The percentage citing interest rates as a concern also rose in the quarter. Nearly 1 in 3 (32%) reported interest rates as a concern, up from 27% in Q4.
Indicators for both cash flow and investment have shown no sign of recovery since the start of the COVID-19 shutdown.
For firms overall, 28% reported an increase to cash flow, a drop from 31% in Q4. 26% reported a decrease, up from 23% in Q4.
Investment in plant, machinery, or equipment continued to stagnate, with 27% overall reporting an increase, while 58% reported no change, and 15% a decline. This metric remains largely unchanged since Q2 2021.
Responding to the findings, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland, said: “Our latest survey lays bare the huge financial stress that firms across the country are under.
“The level of inflationary pressures has soared to record levels and we are now truly in uncharted territory. Firms cite cost increases coming at them from all angles, ranging from energy bills to raw material prices and the imminent rise in National Insurance.
“We need to be absolutely clear: this cost of doing business crisis is squeezing firms’ finances, driving further increases in prices and directly fuelling the cost-of-living crisis.
“The Spring Statement was a missed opportunity to ensure business have greater resilience to weather the uncertain and volatile times ahead.
“The Government must provide urgent financial support, through the expansion of the energy bills rebate scheme, to include small firms and energy intensive businesses, and he must introduce an SME energy price cap to protect smaller firms from some of the price increases.
“We also urge the Treasury to rethink and postpone the damaging National Insurance increase. A failure to act now will leave businesses with no option but to continue to raise prices – leading to more difficult months to come for both firms and households.”
Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Our latest survey points to a solid first quarter for the UK economy, as the release of pent-up demand following the end of Plan B restrictions and reduced consumer concerns over Omicron helped support activity in the quarter. However, our figures also highlight the significant headwinds facing the UK economy.
“Historically high price pressures suggests that the current inflationary surge will escalate significantly in the coming months. The reversal of the hospitality VAT cut, the higher energy price cap and soaring energy and commodity prices amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, should lift inflation well above 8% in the near term.
“The continued sluggishness in cash flow is a key concern as it leaves firms more vulnerable to economic shocks, including the damaging impact of soaring energy bills, higher inflation, and tax increases.
“The first quarter may be the high point for the UK economy with activity likely to stall in subsequent quarters as surging inflation, rising energy bills and higher taxes increasingly drags on activity.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has raised the risk of a renewed economic downturn by aggravating the financial squeeze on businesses and households and disrupting the supply of commodities to key sectors of the UK economy.”
British Chambers of Commerce DG to appear at business awards event
Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce Shevaun Havilland will be the guest of honour when the Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce hosts the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards 2022 at Grimsby Auditorium on 13th May.
She became Director General of BCC at the end of April last year, having joined the organisation from the Cabinet Office where she led Business Partnerships. She joined the Government in 2016 and also ran the Inclusive Economy Partnership for HMG.
Shevaun started her career in consultancy in London and New York. She then moved to the Walt Disney Company in strategic planning before joining Disneyland Paris, opening the second theme park. Shevaun then joined the agency world, running global accounts for Millward Brown, Mindshare and WPP.
Following this, she became a partner in a start-up digital innovation agency and venture builder, Independents United, where she also became an Advisor for the Danson Foundation.
Most recently, Shevaun was the New Ventures Director for Avado, building new businesses in Edtech and founding the Academy of Digital Business Leaders.
Shevaun has a passion for business as a force for good. She is a social impact investor, sits on the Ventures Advisory Board of UnLtd, and is Trustee of Barefoot College International as well as a board member of Women of the World Foundation.
She will be making a short address on the night, before presenting a Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce Special Award.
Yorkshire insolvency expert warns of winding-up legislation changes
Eleanor Temple, chair of insolvency and restructuring trade body R3 in Yorkshire and a barrister at Kings Chambers in Leeds, is warning the region’s directors to seek advice if their business is distressed, following a change in the winding-up petition threshold on the 1st April.
Companies can now face a winding-up petition for debts of £750, after temporary legislation which had previously set the winding up petition threshold at £10k expired on March 31st.
Ms Temple is warning this could result in distressed businesses facing action from their creditors if they haven’t already come to an agreement about managing their debts.
“Now, more than ever, it’s critical company directors seek advice if they’re worried about their businesses or concerned about their ability to pay staff, landlords or suppliers,” she said. “If they don’t, they could face the financial, operational and emotional effects of contesting winding-up petitions in court over a debt of £750.”
Ms Temple continues: “Over the last two years we have seen a number of instances where creditors have recognised that that engagement leads to better outcomes then enforcement.
“Many creditors appreciate the climate that businesses are operating in, and are willing to have a conversation about how and when they can be paid, but that needs to take place sooner rather than later.
“Company directors need to have the conversation about the financial situation they’re in, what they owe and who they owe it to with an expert so they can develop a plan for settling their debts, before creditors resort to legal action to recoup what they are owed.”
Restrictions preventing commercial landlords from issuing winding-up petitions against limited companies for unpaid rent during the pandemic also expired on March 26th. Ms Temple is urging businesses who are concerned about this to seek advice about their problems.
“Rent is typically one of a business’ largest expenses – especially in the retail and service sectors, and many directors may have found the amount they owe has increased if the pandemic has affected their ability to trade,” she says.
“It will be a while before the business environment returns to pre-pandemic levels, and companies will already have to face the prospect of increased fuel and energy costs affecting their bottom line and their cashflow levels, which will make balancing the books a lot harder without any kind of specialist help.
“If you’re worried about your business’ financial position, or you’re having problems paying suppliers, taxes or staff – which is a clear sign your business is financially distressed – seek advice from a qualified source, someone who can outline the potential options open to you for resolving the situation your business is in.
“We know how hard it is to talk about your concerns about your business, but doing so typically leads to better outcomes if it’s had earlier than later – and gives you more potential options and more time to take a decision than if you’d waited until the problem worsened.”
