Manufacturing stats, and trends for 2022
22nd February 2022
Share this story
The global pandemic has affected all our lives in an unprecedented way, and for many businesses, they have also had to contend with changes brought about by the UK leaving the European Union. It was worried that British manufacturing would be negatively affected by this disruption but according to Make UK who have published their annual analysis of the UK manufacturing sector, businesses have bounced back and adapted to these changes quickly and effectively.
We look at some of the biggest takeaways from the report and our top trends for manufacturing in 2022.
Manufacturing facts
Output – Not surprisingly, the impact of the pandemic resulted in a reduction in the sector’s output in 2020, however, figures indicate the sector’s output is on track to return to its pre-pandemic level by the end of 2022.
- Annual output £183 billion
- Ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world
- £2.5m jobs supported
Growth in terms of export (Export value average annual growth 2010-2020)
- Aerospace & other transport – 4.1%
- Metals – 5.2%
- Food and drink – 3%
- Automotive – 2.6%
- Machinery – 1.6%
- Rubber, Plastics, and non-metallic Minerals – 1.3%
- Electronics & electrical equipment – 1.2%
- Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals – 0.3%
Where exports go
British-made products have always been in demand abroad, with many countries perceiving our exports as luxury or high-end.
- £43.2 billion to the USA
- £32.4 billion Germany
- £21.6 billion Republic of Ireland
- £19.7 billion Netherlands
- £18.6 billion France
- £14.4 billion China
Regional breakdown – UK Manufacturing
| Region | Manufacturing Output (2020) | People employed in manufacturing (2020) |
| Scotland | £15.5bn | 177,000 |
| Northern Ireland | £5.3bn | 94,000 |
| Northeast | £7.9bn | 105,000 |
| Northwest | £27.4bn | 319,000 |
| Yorkshire | £18.2bn | 293,000 |
| East Midlands | £18.1bn | 264,000 |
| West Midlands | £22.3bn | 292,000 |
| Wales | £11.3bn | 147,000 |
| East | £18.3bn | 209,000 |
| Southwest | £15.6bn | 227,000 |
| Southeast | £23.4bn | 284,000 |
| London | £8.9bn | 144,000 |
While these figures do not include 2021, it is still heartening to see the manufacturing industry continue to prosper, despite the challenges that have been thrown at it.
View the full report https://www.makeuk.org/facts#/
Manufacturing trends for 2022
We look at the trends that we think will shape the sector in the coming months.
Health and Safety
Always a priority for manufacturing businesses, health and safety will become even more vital as the country emerges from the global pandemic. In addition to standard practices, we believe many manufacturing businesses will continue to prioritise staff safety by encompassing robust practices and advanced technology that will speed up manufacturing and reduce downtime.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
UK businesses owners are facing a triple threat of “potentially damaging” events that could affect the finances and profitability of their business. The recent pandemic combined with increased legislation on environmental standards means many businesses could experience increased costs over the coming years. These include increased energy costs and the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles.
To mitigate these risks, manufacturers will develop new roadmaps to sustainability that will enable them to meet their sustainable energy targets, become more energy-efficient and save money. This can include switching fleets to electric vehicles, incorporating energy-efficient lighting and heat pumps, or insulating their premises.
Artificial intelligence and IIoT connectivity
Adopting IIoT (The industrial internet of things) will allow businesses to work smarter. By implementing advanced technologies like warehouse management & logistics, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance software, business owners can keep a closer watch on output, material usage, shipping costs, and downtime.
Homegrown supply-chains and purchasing
The recent supply-chain issues have thrown into question the UK’s reliance on imports, because of this, we believe the manufacturing sector will look to secure materials from inside the UK. By switching to homegrown materials and goods, UK manufacturers can avoid the delayed deliveries, higher prices, gaps in supply that occurred in the last few months.
In summary, the impact of COVID-19 and Brexit continue, but 2022 is looking bright for the sector, with improvements and advancement firmly on businesses owners’ minds.
If your business lies in the manufacturing sector and you want to accelerate your growth with tailored asset, or commercial finance, get in touch with our experts who will be only too happy to help.
The Security of Bridging Loans
Wondering what a bridging loan is secured against? Anglo Scottish Finance has the answers. Learn more about the security of bridging loans today.Assessing Future Asset Finance Needs for 2025
Looking towards the prospective financial landscape of 2025, businesses must strategically assess their asset finance needs to stay ahead.Money or Assets: Measuring Your Business Health
Are cash or assets more important to a business’ overall financial health? Discover our handy guide here and find out more today.