March 2020

News 0 6 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk March 2020 Digitalisation and Engineering Forums at Plant & Asset Management Exhibition launched The latest MHA Manufacturing and Engineering Report confirms SME 2018/2019 revenue continued to grow, with the food, drink and tobacco sector leading the way at 13.14%. MHA - the UK-wide group of accountancy and business firms - in its analysis found that while global economic conditions, Brexit/future trading tariffs and staff shortages impacted growth, SMEs remain buoyant and they’re building resilience by increasing their assets, reducing borrowing and re-evaluating supply chains. Having taken a quantitative and qualitative approach to this year’s Report, the content is broader. Working with its Data Insights team, MHA compared feedback from 1000+ UK manufacturing and engineering SMEs with over 230 client responses, creating a national, yet detailed, financial picture of this sector. The Report, now in its seventh year is supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking in association with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Chris Barlow, head of the manufacturing group at MHA, commented: “One of the most striking findings of this Report is the confidence of the manufacturing and engineering sector and predictions for growth, given the backdrop of Brexit uncertainties and the continuing skill conundrum. “With the new Conservative government elected on a promise to ‘get Brexit done’, we’re starting to see greater optimism as ever-resilient and evolving manufacturers, who have ‘shored-up’ their financial positions, begin to release the brakes. That said, it’s clear the continued complexity and shape of any final Brexit deal has impacted respondents, and because of this uncertainty, we continue to advise clients to review their supply chains and look at ways to strengthen them, such as securing Authorised Economic Operator status to reduce potential customs delays. “It’s also great to see Research & Development is a priority; 65% of respondents plan to invest up to 8% in this area and there’s huge scope here, plus financial benefits, as experienced by 48% who successfully applied for tax credits.” Dave Atkinson, UK head of manufacturing SME and Mid-Corporate, Lloyds Banking Commercial Banking continued: “UK manufacturers’ resilience is demonstrated once again by these findings. The sector is a lynchpin of our economy and it’s encouraging to see many have continued to deliver growth through what has been a challenging period. “It’s somewhat unsurprising to see access to skills highlighted as an issue. We know it’s something the sector is working hard to address and having the right talent can be crucial to unlocking greater productivity. It’s for these reasons we support the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre in Coventry. Our 10-year sponsorship will enable the training and up-skilling of more than 3500 manufacturing apprentices, graduates and engineers by 2024. Matt Rooney, Engineering Policy Adviser at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, concluded: “The Report highlights the challenges ahead for the UK’s manufacturing industry, including rapid technological change, regulatory uncertainty and a seemingly perennial skills shortage. However, an increasing focus by the Government on industrial strategy and decarbonisation presents opportunities and I’m confident that in this environment, the industry will innovate and thrive to help deliver clean economic growth.” The biennial co-located events; Plant & Asset Management, Drives & Controls, Smart Industry Expo, Fluid Power & Systems, and Air- Tech Exhibitions – are once again set to return to Birmingham’s NEC between the 21st - 23rdth April 2020, alongside MACH 2020. Located at the heart of the 2020 co- location are The Digitalisation and Engineering Forums. With a strong emphasis on technology, The Engineering Forum will bring together all aspects of plant and asset management, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics and automation, energy efficiency, machine safety, drives, motion control, legislation, system strategies and technological developments. Featuring representatives from across industry including government agencies, research bodies, trade associations, and manufacturers. While The Digitalisation Forum, sponsored by Pilz, will fully reflect the ongoing global transformation to the smart manufacturing era and provide a fascinating insight into the potential plants of the future, covering all aspect of the digital transformation across the manufacturing spectrum. Leading expert will address the vast array of information around 4IR, discussing the practicalities, technologies and issues surrounding transition and implementation of digitalisation in UK manufacturing. Over the course of the three- day seminar programme, visitors will have the opportunity to learn how they can seize the opportunities that exist and promote the benefits of adopting emerging digital technologies. Ian Atkinson, managing director of DFA Media, organiser of the co-location of events, says the variety and scope of both Forum programmes for 2020 will add real value: “The combination of leading manufacturing events, with a highly engaging seminar programme, will give visitors a genuine opportunity to keep abreast of the latest industry developments.” You can read PWE’s full Plant & Asset Management Exhibition preview in this month’s edition on page 12. For regular show updates, full Digitalisation and Engineering Forum seminar programmes and to register to attend, please visit the official websites: www.maintenanceuk-expo.com UK SME manufacturers continue to grow and build resilience

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