Expert Comments On Latest MAS Statistics

Research which has pinpointed that small businesses in the manufacturing sector have seen an increase in sales in the past six months has provided welcome respite from the ongoing pessimism surrounding the economic climate, according to a business specialist at Irwin Mitchell.

Figures from the Manufacturing Advisory Service have revealed that 53 per cent of firms polled have seen their orders rise in recent months, with the same percentage also expecting further improvements before the end of 2012.

In the Yorkshire and Humber region alone, 58 per cent of companies stated they have seen orders grow, while 55 per cent have high hopes for another increase in the coming months.

Commenting on the figures, Paul Firth, Regional Managing Partner of Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office, said that the research pointed to the fact that there are still sectors which are able thrive in difficult times.

He outlined: “Despite the endless gloomy economic predictions there are parts of the UK economy that are growing strongly, particularly in manufacturing sectors

“It is also very positive to see the Yorkshire region reporting stronger than average results in relation to this. There is every possibility that Sheffield will have played a key role in this level of performance, specifically as it does have a larger manufacturing base when compared to many other major cities.

“We hope that these kinds of figures prove to be a strong starting point from which many Yorkshire manufacturing businesses are able to expand and grow over the coming months.”