A new report has revealed that small and medium-sized manufacturers are planning to take on more staff in a bid to boost productivity and sales.

The latest National Manufacturing Barometer, conducted by SWMAS (part of Exelin Group) in partnership with Economic Growth Solutions, questioned almost 300 manufacturing SME leaders on the current economic picture, with 53% of them expressing their intention to hire more employees over the next six months. This is 5% up on the last quarter and the highest figure reported for over two years.
In other positive news, the quarterly survey reported that 60% of manufacturers saw an increase in sales, with 68% expecting orders to rise between now and the end of the year.
Investment aspirations – while slightly down on the last report – are still healthy, with just under half (48%) planning to spend on new machinery and premises.
For further information www.swmas.co.uk/barometer