[Amy Brunsdon]

There is much uncertainty about what 2019 will hold for the UK as the deadline for Brexit looms closer. 2018 was a mixed year for manufacturing with some big names in the industry announcing UK factory closures but we also heard good news from many UK manufacturers launching new products or recruiting new apprentices. Despite not as successful as 2017, manufacturing in 2018 is expected to close with annual growth at about 1% - a weak, but still positive outcome.

I wanted to share some highlights from EEF’s Annual Survey of Manufacturing Executives, which gives us some indications of the key issues and predictions we expect throughout 2019. You can download the survey (produced in association with AIG) here

The survey shows that whilst companies still expect to see growth in domestic and export orders, as well as employment, in the coming year, they are much less confident than a year ago, especially about prospects for the UK economy.

The B word

Brexit continues to be the main source of risk for UK manufacturers with 72% of our Survey respondents agree that “Brexit is the biggest source of uncertainty for my business in 2019” with only 14% disagreeing. The survey also reveals that 32% are worried about the possible delays at customs as a result of the Brexit.

Network exclusive content: Watch Juergen Maier CEO, Siemens UK and Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO, EEF discuss the impact Brexit will have on UK manufacturing below

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Cyber Security worries on the increase

Aside from Brexit and trade-related matters, the survey also shows that cyber security continues to rise up the business agenda with the number of companies citing disruption from cyber-attacks as the most significant risk to their business.


The positive news is that 60% of those surveyed already have measures in place to protect themselves with only 15% not taking action to protect themselves

Network exclusive content: Watch Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO, EEF discuss what manufacturers can do to protect themselves against cyber-crime.

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What do you predict will happen to the manufacturing industry in 2019? What are your main worries for the year ahead? Share with the community below.

Thanks

Amy