Manufacturers enter 2024 with increased optimism – Make UK/PwC Survey
The findings come from a major survey of over two hundred senior manufacturing executives publishe by Make UK and PwC. The survey, published in detail in The Manufacturer, shows that after a very difficult few years through the pandemic, and the shock to energy prices, there are optimistic signs with companies more bullish about the […]
Gov launches timber roadmap to boost UK construction and reduce emissions
The government has announced a new roadmap to increase the use of timber in the construction of homes and buildings, in a move designed to reduce emissions and reach net zero. Using timber in construction is one of the best ways to reduce emissions from buildings. Around 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are […]
UK government unveils Advanced Manufacturing Plan to boost British industry
The UK government has unveiled its Advanced Manufacturing Plan, a 47-page document setting out the actions being taken to position the country as the go-to place to start and grow a manufacturing business. Released by the Department for Business and Trade, the Advanced Manufacturing Plan follows the recent news that the Chancellor has committed £4.5bn […]
Plans submitted for £27m, 105,000 sq ft urban logistics development on former Sony site near Horsham
Chancerygate has submitted plans to speculatively build 105,000 sq ft of Grade A urban logistics and industrial space in Southwater near Horsham, West Sussex. The proposed scheme will comprise seven freehold units ranging from 8,325 sq ft to 33,940 sq ft. The projected gross development value is approximately £27m. The 4.59 acre site, which was […]
Gov emissions scheme to reduce sale of carbon allowances
The government has announced tighter emission limits for industries under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, with the publishing of the 2024 carbon allowance auction calendar. The 2024 calendar for the UK’s Emissions Trading Scheme will limit the number of carbon allowances for companies to buy in 2024 to 69 million – 12.4% fewer than in […]
UK recession risk grows as higher interest rates impact businesses
Britain’s economy is at growing risk of recession, with industry figures showing the sharpest monthly fall in private sector activity, outside of the Covid pandemic, since the financial crisis, reports the Guardian. In a sign that higher interest rates and the cost of living crisis are combining to depress consumer demand, the latest snapshot from […]
New link to Saudi Arabia – the region’s top trading partner – launches at London Gatwick
A new link to the region’s top trading partner will give South East businesses a boost, as airline Saudia has launched a new service between London Gatwick and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Between April 2022 and March 2023, 17% of all goods and services exported by businesses in Sussex, Surrey and Kent went to Saudi Arabia – more than any other destination. Among the main exports include manufacturing and engineering goods, bio-life sciences, and pharmaceutical items. […]
New Gatwick Link to Saudi Arabia: What it Means for Gatwick Diamond Businesses
A new link between London Gatwick and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, launched by flag carrier Saudia, presents significant opportunities for businesses in the Gatwick Diamond region. Saudi Arabia stands as the top trading partner for this region, accounting for 17% of all exports from Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. With key exports including manufacturing and engineering goods, bio-life […]
Manufacturing volumes back to or exceeding pre-pandemic levels, report finds
Almost three quarters of UK manufacturers report that business has returned or even exceeded pre-pandemic production volumes, a report from Essentra Components has found. Businesses in the aerospace, electronics and energy sectors all point to recovery with 72 per cent, 59 per cent and 71 per cent of respondents respectively indicating a return to pre-COVID-19 […]
AstraZeneca moves manufacturing to Ireland due to Britain’s tax regime
Global pharmaceutical company, AstraZeneca, has announced that its plans to open a new facility in northwest England have now changed, due to the “discouraging” corporation tax increase. Now opening in Ireland, the company will avoid the increase from 19% to 25%, which is set for April. Initially, AstraZeneca’s chief executive officer, Sir Pascal Soriot, said […]