How real-time manufacturing operations drive competitive advantage in volatile markets
By Louis Columbus, Senior Industry Marketing Manager at DELMIA Manufacturing leadership must assess manufacturing operations management (MOM) transformation strategically rather than technically. The question isn’t whether existing systems function adequately today, it’s whether they’ll enable tomorrow’s competitive positioning. Manufacturing executives confronting today’s operational challenges recognize a fundamental truth: traditional execution systems designed for stable markets have […]
ERP foundation for future success in a changing automotive market
The automotive industry across Europe is in transition. New market entrants, US tariffs and a changing technology base are adding competition, cost and uncertainty. The impact is clear, with the number of vehicles manufactured in the UK falling to the lowest level since 1953 this summer. Legislative confusion, such as the relaxation of electric car targets, further […]
Shaping the Future: Five manufacturing trends to watch in 2026
With 2026 looming, now’s the time for UK manufacturers to take stock of their internal operations and external trends to identify how and where they can gain a competitive advantage and drive growth in the new year. 2025 saw the growth of a number of emerging technologies, including the further growth of integrated technologies like […]
Exploring Reshoring: Why UK manufacturing is coming home
Recent years have seen a growing number of UK-headquartered manufacturers bringing their production facility back to the UK. Strategies in how to do so have varied – some manufacturers are choosing to bring 100% of production back to our shores, while others are bringing the manufacture of certain products or specific sections of their build […]
12 Months of Labour: Assessing the Modern Industrial Strategy
Following last year’s General Election, the Labour Party has now enjoyed 12 months in power, which was rubber-stamped by the release of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. UK manufacturers have long since been calling for a more detailed industrial strategy, one that addresses key issues like rising energy costs, skills shortages and the route to net […]
Do our youth hold the key to manufacturing’s skills crisis?
Matt Eden, Engineering Director at cable assemblies manufacturer GTK, makes the case for answering the UK’s skills gap problem with forward-thinking hiring practices… For manufacturers up and down the country, a shortage of skilled workers continues to be a problem. A November 2024 report found that 97% of manufacturers cite hiring and retaining skilled labour as a challenge to […]
Five surprising manufacturing industries you didn’t know were thriving in Britain
Barry Leahey MBE (pictured), Export Leader of The Year, shares insights on the UK industries blazing an international trail… Those outside of the manufacturing industry might be forgiven for thinking that the UK doesn’t “make stuff” anymore – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Ask someone who isn’t in the know about what […]
Five Trends, Five Years: Inside UK manufacturing’s path to 2030
After a challenging period dealing with Brexit, rising energy prices, international uncertainty and more, the next five years are set to be crucial for UK manufacturers. As the nation moves ever closer to its Net Zero target of 2030, manufacturing companies of all shapes and sizes are aiming to increase their sustainability credentials, while external […]
Experts reveal 5 keys to success for manufacturers in 2025
2025 is here and the release of MakeUK’s most recent Manufacturing Outlook report suggests that sector optimism is on the up. Fuelled in part by expectations of greater political stability, UK manufacturers are looking forward to a boost in their overall economic prospects in the new year. Expectations of a manufacturing-led industrial strategy, and a generally more […]
OPINION: 5 reasons why we still need a Manufacturing Minister
Calls for a Minister of Manufacturing are nothing new. Those working in the manufacturing industry may be familiar with the work of Andrea Wilson, who began campaigning for a dedicated manufacturing representative in parliament back in 2020. Her petition, which called for “an experienced and passionate voice for Industry within Government,” earned the 100,000 signatures required […]