The UK subcontract manufacturing market had a positive year in 2025, up 47% on 2024, according to the latest Contract Manufacturing Index (CMI) figures. The automotive industry was the largest customer and accounted for nearly a third of the market. It proved a strong contributor to the health of the subcontract sector despite the effects of the JLR cyber-attack.

Qimtek owner Karl Wigart says: “It’s quite clear that 2025 was a better year overall than 2024. Activity by buyers has been steady and we broke the record for the number of parts quoted – just under 20 million components for the year. However, we feel suppliers remain cautious. They were badly affected by the uncertainty of the late budget and the shutdown of JLR. Suppliers are proving fussy on which jobs they are quoting for and careful with how they are spending their money.”

More information www.qimtek.co.uk