Sectors/Manufacturing

Growth for manufacturers.

Energy, wages and cash are squeezing UK makers. We help owners see which products, customers and channels really make money, and build growth around them.

£279bnUK manufacturing output in 2025Make UK Executive Survey 2026

2.6mpeople employed in UK manufacturingMake UK Executive Survey 2026

1 in 4manufacturers have moved, or are thinking of moving, work overseasMake UK Manufacturing Outlook, Q2 2026

How we can help

Built for manufacturing.

The programmes, services and client portal tools built for your sector.

Our services

1DiagnoseGrowth DiagnosticFree, five minutes, online. See where your growth gap is.Find out more 2PlanGrowth Gap AnalysisYour team, your data and a costed plan to close the gap.Find out more 3Close the gapGrowth AcceleratorOur five-step programme, with the toolkit, alongside your team.Find out more 4MaintainGrowth AdvisoryAn independent, experienced voice at your board.Find out more

Tools in your client portal

Complexity DiagnosticSegment your business to focus effort on the offers and customers that make a difference.Data Diagnostic & KPI CockpitBespoke tools designed to measure and visualise performance.Margin MaximiserImplement robust revenue management strategies to organically fund growth.Market ScanUnderstanding your operational landscape and target markets.Go to Market StrategyDesign and implement a winning offer and growth strategy.

Premium materialsCase studies and programmes for manufacturingLocked. Enter the access code from your consultant to view sector case studies and programmes. Open secure area

What we see

Growth in manufacturing is hard right now.

The same pressures come up again and again with the owners we talk to.

Energy costsNearly half of manufacturers saw energy bills rise again in 2026, and UK prices stay above Europe and the US.

Cash running shortMore than a quarter of firms have less than a year of cash as margins tighten.

Investment on holdAlmost four in ten have put off investment plans, which stores up problems for later.

Hidden loss-makersOnce energy and labour are fully costed, some products and customers lose money without anyone noticing.

Our team's experience

We have run manufacturing businesses.

We are operators, not career consultants. This is work we have done in our own businesses.

Plants, supply chain and exportOur team has led manufacturing, supply chain and distribution selling into more than 40 markets.

Less complexity, lower costWe have cut manufacturing cost by 18% and working capital by 24% by simplifying a range and its components.

From start-up to scaleWe have founded and grown an industrial parts supplier, hitting the five-year plan in year three.

Where growth comes from

Three places to start.

1Margin by product and customerCost every line properly, then fix, reprice or stop the ones that don't pay.

2New markets for what you already makeExport orders from the US, Asia-Pacific and Australia are growing for UK makers.

3Small automation, quick paybackTargeted projects that pay back in months beat large programmes that tie up cash.

Growth Insights

Insights for manufacturing.

ProductivityThe UK's Productivity ProblemThe UK's productivity problem gets discussed constantly at a national level. What gets discussed far less is what it means for a single ambitious company.22 Sept 2026 GrowthThe UK Growth ParadoxAsk a UK business leader if they expect to grow this year, and the answer is almost always yes. Ask how they feel about the economy, and the answer changes completely.7 Sept 2026 GrowthAmbition Isn't the Problem. Execution Is.Most UK business owners start with real ambition and a clear picture of what they want to build. So why do so few ever reach consistent, compounding growth?24 Aug 2026

Sector news

What's happening in manufacturing.

The stories that matter for owner-managed businesses, with what each one means for growth. Updated from our client portal.

3 Nov 2026

UK Manufacturing PMI: Industry growth accelerates in October, but cost pressures mountFrom the portal

British factory production and incoming orders increased significantly last month to reach a five month peak. Business leaders are feeling positive about future expansion despite facing higher prices for materials and ongoing delivery delays.

Why it matters:Growing demand at home and abroad provides a clear chance to increase your sales. You should review your pricing strategy now to protect your profit margins from rising material costs.

The Manufacturer

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2 Nov 2026

Investment Monitor 2026From the portal

A recent industry report reveals that most industrial firms want to expand their operations within Britain. Many companies are prioritising upgrades to their technology and artificial intelligence systems to overcome current economic hurdles.

Why it matters:Upgrading your factory equipment and software can help you stay ahead of competitors. Exploring available government support for technology adoption could make these vital upgrades much more affordable for your business.

Make UK

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22 Oct 2026

Rheinmetall opens the UK Gun Hall in TelfordFrom the portal

A major defence contractor has launched a new production facility in Shropshire to build large artillery and tank components. This development brings heavy weapons manufacturing back to British soil after a twenty year absence and represents a massive financial commitment to the region.

Why it matters:Large prime contractors opening new domestic facilities often need reliable local suppliers for parts and services. Smaller manufacturing firms can find lucrative new contracts by integrating themselves into these emerging defence supply chains.

Rheinmetall

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21 Oct 2026

UK mid-sized businesses report fastest growth in almost two yearsFrom the portal

Mid-market companies in the United Kingdom experienced a significant acceleration in activity during the early autumn months. Production levels across the manufacturing industry saw a steady increase as overall business confidence reached its highest point in nearly two years.

Why it matters:This upward trend indicates a strong market appetite for manufactured goods. Business owners can use this positive momentum to confidently invest in new equipment or expand their production capacity.

S&P Global

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