Manufacturing China Surprises All: Britain’s Engines Rev Up Past 2019
Good news, folks! Every corner of England and its three devolved pals has pushed the production dial up past what we saw back in 2019. This is the first time it’s happened since the pandemic put the brakes on everything.
Where the Real Action is Happening
- South West – Leading the pack with a 27% bump. That’s more than a quarter higher than pre‑pandemic numbers.
- East of England – 21% up, showing the region’s resilience.
- North West – Grown by 20%, thanks to a post‑Covid lift in the auto sector.
What’s behind the surge? The aerospace and defence giants are blasting off again, with huge orders from airlines for new jets and European defence spending ramping up.
Key Players in Each Region
- South West’s aircraft & defence sector drives 25.8% of output.
- North West’s auto industry has seen a remarkable rebound, accounting for 23.5%.
Senior Economist Fhaheen Khan notes, “While some areas are sprinting ahead, the post‑Covid slump is finally a thing of the past.” However, he warns that growth could widen if investment hotspots aren’t balanced across the country.
Manufacturing’s Resilience Amid Pandemic Chaos
Richard Austin, Head of Manufacturing at BDO, says the sector’s bounce‑back is no small feat: “From grounded flights to supply‑chain chaos, the industry’s come stronger.” He hopes continued support—especially in design, innovation, and skills—will keep the UK at the top of the global game.
US Tariffs: A Tangled Web Across Regions
The report shows a split impact:
- West Midlands: 26% of exports to the US, mostly cars.
- East of England: 22% exposed.
- London & South East: 18%.
EU exports have dipped across the board, with Wales still the most EU‑dependent (61%). That’s a 10% drop since 2020.
Jobs & Numbers
Manufacturing jobs rose by 12,000 in the year to March 2024, bringing the total to just under 2.6 million. Yet, the picture varies: Wales and East Midlands saw a 12,000‑job decline, while West Midlands and East of England rose by almost 10,000 each.
In short, Britain’s manufacturers are back in the race, engines revving, and it’s looking brighter on the horizon. Keep your eyes on the numbers, and let the good times spin on!
