Manufacturing & Engineering

The aerospace & defence sector is undergoing considerable change, especially as the credit crunch continues to make life increasingly challenging - airlines postpone deliveries and defence budgets are cut by cash-strapped national economies. On the civil side, established multinationals will continue to dominate with large platforms.

The automotive sector remains a pivotal part of the UK manufacturing sector. Despite a trend of migration to low-cost manufacturing regions, altogether seven global automotive companies manufacture cars in the UK, together with a number of truck, van and bus companies and many of the world's major component manufacturers.

The UK building products market is estimated to be worth c £35 billion per annum. It is a sector heavily affected by general economic conditions, which currently are not favourable, as well as by the environmental agenda.

The electronics & precision engineering sector remains relatively robust in the UK. Whilst high volume commodity manufacturing is routinely redeployed to the low-cost regions of the world, the UK enjoys a strong reputation for innovation, quality and technical excellence.

The UK’s process & chemicals sector has changed almost beyond recognition over the past twenty years. Once dominated by large companies, it is more likely that the sector participants these days are controlled by private equity firms, or overseas based businesses.