Secondly, although the engineering company has been subjected to dramatic increases in the cost of raw materials, fuel and associated costs that have forced it to impose its own price increases, competitors both at home and abroad have suffered from the same problem. Consequently, many UK manufacturers, including current and potential customers of the Birmingham firm, are no longer able to benefit from the cost savings once offered by the Far East. In a bid to cut logistic costs these companies are now seeking to bring orders back to Great Britain.

This strategy is making component buyers sit up and request ‘benchmark’ costings from UK based manufacturers, giving H T Brigham the opportunity to demonstrate its competitive edge. Indeed, the company says its enquiry book has never looked so healthy. This puts it in the ideal position to capitalise business transferring from the Far East, allowing it to secure future business and increase job security at a time when other industry sectors are floundering.