Britain’s manufacturers are looking
past economic gloom and focusing on
generating continued growth through
2012, according to a survey of senior
manufacturing executives published
by manufacturers’ organisation, EEF.

They are seeking to achieve this by
increasing exports of products and
services to emerging markets.

The Manufacturing Executive
survey, published with EEF’s 2012
Economic Prospects report, shows the
outlook for the economy in the year
ahead comes with a high degree of
uncertainty.While 21% of executives
expect conditions in the UK economy
to be better than in 2011, 49% believe
conditions will worsen.

Manufacturers are more optimistic
about growth potential within their
own businesses for the year ahead.

While there are signs that companies
have already adjusted their business
plans in response to the growing
global economic uncertainty, firms are
hunting out new, global markets for
their products and services. UK
manufacturers are targeting nontraditional
markets, responding to the
changing tastes of consumers and
taking advantage of supply chain
opportunities.

Executives see these strategies
paying off, with the EEF survey
showing continued confidence about
performance in export markets.More
than 80% expect sales to be the same
or greater in 2012 compared to last
year. Responses on likely sales in the
UK market are also broadly positive,
especially among SMEs and are
expected to lead to recruitment of
permanent employees.