For the first time in 4 years, UK manufacturers saw a rise in product export order growth during January 2026, with factories receiving orders from Europe, the US and China.
Rob Dobson, a director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiled a monthly survey of approximately 650 manufacturers, said: “UK manufacturing made a solid start to 2026, showing encouraging resilience in the face of rising geopolitical tensions.”
This survey, together with the Purchasing Managers Index PMI survey (which measures activity in the private manufacturing sector) has presented as the best upturn on business activity since April 2024 which is great news for the UK economy.
How is Manufacturing Growth Measured?
Manufacturing growth can be driven and measured through a mixture of circumstances. Changes within local and national economic conditions and global trade can have a huge influence in keeping manufacturing processes stable. However, supply and demand, strength in investment and capacity, affordable credit, increase in productivity all cement solid foundations too.
How can West Midlands businesses benefit?
Through local apprenticeship schemes, expansion grants and campaign awareness events such as Futureproof Manufacturing for the West Midlands – a FREE event due to be held in Birmingham on the 11th March 2026. Manufacturers across the region are being urged to seize new growth opportunities with an aim is to boost productivity, adopt digital technologies and strengthen supply chains to win new orders for the West Midlands.
How can business protect assets?
Through manufacturing insurance supplied by JRW Risk Solutions, manufacturing business can create tailored protection packages to safeguard their companies against unforeseen circumstances in terms of property damage, liability claims, equipment breakdown, supply chain disruptions, and operational risks. For further information, please contact our team at JRW Risk Solutions to find out more.
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