4CM

According to the latest CBI quarterly Industrial Trends Survey the outlook for UK manufacturing is beginning to improve.

Although we’re working from an extremely low base, with a thirty year low, at least the key figures are beginning to move in the right direction. 

For example, of the 439 firms surveyed, 34% said the volume of total orders rose, while 23% said they fell. The resulting rounded balance of +12% is the first significant growth since January 2008.

The CBI reports that the improvement in total orders was driven by strengthening overseas demand.  A third of firms (33%) reported a rise in export orders, and 12% a fall, giving a rounded balance of +20%. That is the strongest balance since July 1995 (+21%) and was better than expected (+13%).

Additionally, a modest rise in home-grown demand also contributed to the rise in total orders. 30% of firms said domestic orders increased, and 25% said they decreased. The resulting balance of +5% marks the first growth since October 2007 (+5%), and was better than the flat performance that had been predicted.

The CBI report points out, however, that output price inflation is rising and profit margins are coming under renewed pressure due to increased costs – an indicator that companies are going to be looking for ways to maximise the value from their investment in marketing activities in coming months, and to make their agencies truly accountable. 

At 4CM our focus has always been to deliver the best possible value for money, with a simple and transparent method of charging and processes for measuring the return from all activities.   Just as importantly, we’re constantly looking for ways of adding value, through measures such as more comprehensive client reporting, maximising the reuse of press materials in sales and technical literature, and in company Blogs, and through even greater input in campaign planning and management.

If you feel that your marketing and P.R. activities would benefit from our proactive, cost justified and added value services then put us to the test.  Contact us on +44 (0)1296 660080 or email marketing@4cm.co.uk

To read the full press release from the CBI please click here