Confidence among SME manufacturers is at its highest level for two years according to the latest Manufacturing Barometer, carried out by SWMAS (the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service) and the Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP). Out of nearly 300 firms questioned, some 58% indicate that they are planning to boost investment over the next six months.

This quarter’s Barometer took an in-depth look at how manufacturing SMEs are recovering from the pandemic and, encouragingly, 48% of respondents now expect to return to, or exceed, their pre-Covid-19 position within three months. Notably, SME manufacturers experienced a positive quarter’s trade between January and March, with 46% reporting an increase in sales, compared to 31% in the previous barometer.

For further information www.swmas.co.uk