UK manufacturing’s total order books in November improved to their strongest on record (since 1977), according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey. The survey of 282 manufacturers also saw export order books at their strongest since March 2019. Output growth in the three months to November remained firm, increasing at a similarly above-average pace to October and September 2021. Manufacturers expect output growth to accelerate in the next three months. Meanwhile, expectations for output price growth in the coming quarter were at their strongest since May 1977.

For further information www.cbi.org.uk

The Government has launched an ambitious new ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ plan to help businesses across the UK double exports and sell their products around the globe. This 12-point export strategy, published by the Department for International Trade, aims to give businesses the tools they need to become a nation of exporters and reap the benefits of free trade deals. The strategy includes an Export Support Service that offers a one-stop shop for exporting advice, and the launch of a new UK Tradeshow Programme better-tailored to help businesses attend and promote their products around the world.

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https://is.gd/qirire

Decom Engineering has consolidated a strong 2021 performance with a hat-trick of international contract wins valued at more than £400,000. The decommissioning solutions specialist last week deployed two of its pipeline cutting saws to the Asia Pacific region to start a six-month campaign on behalf of a global oil and gas operator, following on from two successful projects in the North Sea and Celtic Sea. In addition to the triple contract success, Decom has invested £200,000 to establish a new operational base near Aberdeen, and will mark its opening in the coming weeks with a series of technology showcase demonstrations.

For further information
www.decomengineering.co.uk

The Minister for Business and Industry, Lee Rowley MP, saw the latest technologies enabling modern methods of construction and advanced manufacturing when he visited the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. For instance, Rowley saw the development of the latest technologies to construct the buildings of the future, in particular schools, hospitals and prisons, using offsite platform-based construction. The minister has special responsibility for the construction sector, as well as advanced manufacturing, skills and infrastructure.

As a point of note, the MTC is a key member of the Construction Innovation Hub, a partnership of experts in manufacturing, digital, building performance standards and construction technology that drives innovation and technological advances in the construction and infrastructure sectors. The hub is working to create better outcomes for current and future generations by driving the adoption of manufacturing and digital approaches that improve the delivery, resilience and performance of infrastructure.

For further information
www.the-mtc.org

Smart Hub Lanarkshire – a new centre that will help SME manufacturers grow and prepare for the future – has opened its doors for in-person events. Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, Youth Employment and Training, was one of the first to see the new facility during a visit to New College Lanarkshire earlier this month. The Smart Hub, a partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, New College Lanarkshire and the University of Strathclyde, houses a robotics training facility and a dedicated area for SMEs to meet, learn and access business support and academic expertise.

For further information
https://is.gd/ipetaf