Manufacturers say Brexit more concerning than election result

More than a third (39%) of British manufacturers say that Brexit remains their biggest concern for the year ahead, despite the looming General Election, a survey suggests.

The research, carried out by YouGov on behalf of npower Business Solutions, found that most of the respondents were worried about unexpected business costs as a result of Brexit, followed by difficulties remaining competitive in their market.

The consequence of the General Election result was only cited by 7% of manufacturers as their leading concern.

“Although the General Election is taking all of the news headlines at the moment, we have seen over 12 months of uncertainty for UK business, with Brexit still to complete,” Christopher Greenough, commercial director for Salop Design & Engineering, told Professional Engineering.

He called on the next government to produce a clear plan on how they look to support business, particularly manufacturing.

"We need to look to boost competitiveness, reduce energy costs and invest now in renewable and greener energies," he said. "We need to look to Industry 4.0 and explore how autonomous travel, connectivity and new processes can be brought to the fore. The UK can say we truly started the first industrial revolution, so let us take the lead in the next."

Looking at energy policy, the research found more than a third (39%) of manufacturers would like the incoming government to prioritise decreasing business energy costs, with 25% stating they would like them to support new industrial energy efficiency. Meanwhile, 20% said it was important to adapt the Capacity Market – the government’s main vehicle for ensuring future security of supply – to deliver new generation capacity.

In addition, the research found that 22% of respondents were looking to the government to prioritise renewable energy.

“With Brexit still on the horizon, it is expected that businesses, and in particular those in the manufacturing sector, are looking to the government for energy policy that supports their competitive position in the UK and Europe," said David Reed, head of npower Business Solutions. “Lower business energy costs mean one less thing to worry about in our current environment." 

The sample size of the survey was 1,197 adults.