UK manufacturers survey to assess sector impact of coronavirus

A key survey of UK manufacturers, including businesses operating within confectionery and bakery markets, is being undertaken to assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sector.

The Manufacturing Barometer, which is conducted by South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) and the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP), has now gone live and is inviting companies to highlight the issues they are facing and the support they need to overcome them.

Companies are being asked to highlight changes in production volumes, difficulties in retaining employees, supply chain disruption and any major ‘pivots’ they are doing to supply new markets, including answering the call for more medical equipment.

They will also be given the opportunity to give their thoughts on existing business support packages, whilst identifying other areas of assistance they may require, such as cashflow, HR advice and skills retention.

“Big businesses have their voice, but in these unprecedented times it is important that we give SMEs a platform to have their say on the current Coronavirus crisis,” explained Simon Howes from SWMAS.

“Our quarterly Manufacturing Barometer, the largest survey of its type in England, gives them this exact chance and we are looking for hundreds of firms to take part before it closes on Friday 17th April.”

He continued: “The information will be communicated directly to Government so will hopefully inform future policy and support as we continue to get to grips with Covid-19 and its wide-reaching ramifications.

“The survey takes just five minutes to complete and can be filled in online here – (https://survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/00hdIL) We want as many companies to take part so we’re asking everyone in industry to spread the message.”

In a slight change to the normal release of information, the Manufacturing Barometer will be showcasing initial findings on Thursday April 2nd and then again at the end of the month to highlight how SME manufacturers are adapting and the ongoing challenges/opportunities they are facing.

For further information, please visit www.swmas.co.uk/knowledge/manufacturing-barometer