EAMA: Mechanical engineering orders up
Are mechanical engineering orders finally on the up?
There’s some good news for the UK mechanical engineering sector as 2011 draws to a close - The Engineering and Machinery Alliance (EAMA) says that orders are up.
It seems that UK orders are holding up better than orders from abroad though as overseas firms struggle with uncertainties surrounding the euro.
Martin Walder, EAMA chairman said: “According to EAMA’s monthly Business Monitor UK order intake has improved month on month with 45% of firms saying their order levels are up.
“Things aren’t so positive on the export side, which isn’t surprising given the uncertainties aired daily in the media, but it is a cause for concern given that in the UK we have to raise our export performance very substantially to realign our balance of trade and particularly encourage SMEs either to export more, or if they don’t do it already then persuade them to export for the first time.”
With well over a quarter of firms indicating they are developing investment plans in this latest monitor, it is clear ease of access to finance will remain a determining priority for ambitious companies. This month’s figures are the most positive the EAMA say they have seen on finance since April this year though - a good omen for 2012?
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