Make UK, Monthly Bulletin, November 2019
December 2019
Atradius Market Monitor, Metals and Steel, November 2019
Since H2 of 2018, the market situation has continuously deteriorated for many metals and steel businesses. A slowing global economy, increasing trade tensions, geopolitical issues and the economic deceleration in China weigh on business confidence and investment. Performance of major metals and steel buyer industries have
begun to weaken. Despite a slowdown in some countries, construction activity kept up in some major markets like the US and Germany. However, production and sales in the global machinery sector have steadily decelerated. This is expected to continue in 2020. At the same time, the automotive industry is currently facing fundamental challenges, with weakening demand in key markets (e.g. China), market saturation in other regions and a shift from combustion engines to e-mobility by many major car producers. Adding to all those issues the steel industry has to cope with higher commodity prices and decreasing steel prices in some key markets, especially in Europe. The steel price decline is also fuelled by ongoing US steel import tariffs, as producers from China, Russia and Turkey have redirected their exports to the EU. In addition, EU steel businesses are affected by higher prices for
emission trading permits. The combination of lower demand, higher input costs and lower sales prices has led to deterioration of (already thin) margins for many businesses. Due to the more difficult market environment, the business performance and credit risk situation of many metals and steel companies has deteriorated over the past 12 months. This is reflected in several performance outlook downgrades of metals and steel subsectors in key markets, compared to the previous 2018 issue of the Metals and Steel Market Monitor.
November 2019
Backing Manufacturers: The Makers' Manifesto
In recent years manufacturing has
enjoyed a renaissance. Our sector
directly employs almost three million
people and indirectly supports many
more. Manufactured goods account
for almost half of all UK exports, and
the EU is our largest market.
Our sector is a high quality employer: wages are 13%
above the national average, many employees work
in hi-tech environments and our commitment to
comprehensive apprenticeships, training and up-skilling
is second to none. Make UK is proud to have played a
leading role in manufacturing and engineering for over
100 years, and today we represent the interests of over
20,000 companies employing over a million people.
This manifesto highlights the top priorities for UK
manufacturers, setting out a point-by-point plan for
those measures that, within the framework of an
industrial strategy, will ensure that Britain remains the
best place in the world to do business.
November 2019
Bank of England Monetary Policy Report, November 2019
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) sets monetary policy to meet the 2% inflation target, and in a way that helps to sustain growth and employment. At its meeting ending on 6 November 2019, the MPC voted by a majority of 7–2 to maintain Bank Rate at 0.75%. The Committee voted unanimously to maintain the stock of sterling non-financial investment-grade corporate bond purchases, financed by the issuance of central bank reserves, at £10 billion. The Committee also voted unanimously to maintain the stock of UK government bond purchases, financed by the issuance of central bank reserves, at £435 billion.
November 2019
IMF World Economic Outlook, October 2019
October 2019
EUROMETAL Outlook on Economies and Steel Markets, Oct 2019
The report outlines:
- World and European Growth Rate projections 2020
- Forecast World and European Apparent Steel Consumption 2020
- World Steel Production in 1st 9 Months 2019
- A look on Turkish Steel Market
October 2019
NASS Annual Report 2018-2019
Following its approval at NASS' AGM on 10th October, the Annual Report for 2018-2019 is now available for download
October 2019
Atradius Market Monitor, Automotive, September 2019
The automotive industry is currently facing major structural challenges that could lead to a comprehensive upheaval of the sector itself, including a shakeout with many companies leaving the market. The main issues are:
The shift to e-mobility, fuel cells and other engine systems away from combustion engines;
New technologies, such as digitalisation and autonomous driving; Changing consumer habits and new mobility services. While it is still not clear what the future of mobility will look like, i.e. which technologies and innovations will prevail, it is clear that huge investments are necessary to adapt to the changing market conditions. It is estimated that globally, investments in the electric vehicle segment will amount to about USD 300 billion over the next five to ten years.
September 2019
Make UK BDO Manufacturing Outlook, Q3 2019
UK manufacturers are preparing for a hard Brexit and a potentially harsh winter.
September 2019
Bank of England Inflation Report, August 2019
August 2019
Atradius Economic Report - Trade war risks grinding global trade growth to a halt
The US-China trade war is weighing heavily on bilateral trade: early 2019 US exports to China contracted
30% year-on-year and Chinese exports to the US decreased 9%.
World trade growth stagnated in Q1 amid escalating tariffs and ongoing uncertainty. We forecast the
expansion to slow to 2.0% in 2019 before recovering to a still-weak 2.8% in 2020.
The risk of further escalation into a global trade war is significant. In a worst-case scenario, we predict that
global trade growth would grind to a halt this year and contract by 2.3% in 2020.
June 2019
Make UK BDO Manufacturing Outlook Q2 2019
The Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK and BDO LLP, shows that whilst domestic and export orders are in positive territory they are trending downwards as the boost of artificial stockpiling winds down and overseas customers are switching their supply chains away from the UK.
June 2019
Bank of England Inflation Report, May 2019
May 2019
Bank of England Agents Summary of Conditions, Q1 2019
March 2019
Atradius Market Monitor, Construction, February 2019
Construction remains a cyclical sector, i.e. the performance of building companies is closely linked to a country’s economic growth and investors´ sentiment as well as business and consumer confidence. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that construction activity can be very different from one country to the next. However, even in markets where construction growth has been very robust in recent years competition is high, profit margins
slim, public buyers generally pay late and the proportion of business failures remains higher than in most other industries. Those seem to be reoccurring issues in the construction industry, regardless of performance.
February 2019
Atradius Economic Update January 2019
The January 2019 edition of the Economic Update, presenting the current economic environment across the globe and the outlook by Atradius Economic Research.
January 2019
Atradius Economic Research - No-deal Brexit risks driving up insolvencies
Summary
A no-deal Brexit would increase uncertainty in the short-term, weighing on economic growth in the UK
especially through higher inflation and trade frictions. EU27 countries would also face lower GDP, but to a
more limited extent due to lower trade dependence.
We estimate that a disruptive Brexit could cause UK corporate insolvency growth to be 14% higher than in a
smooth transition. The retail sector is particularly exposed due to higher inflation while the manufacturing
and chemicals sectors would suffer due to trade barriers being imposed.
The impact on insolvencies in the EU27 would be much more moderate, but still significantly negative.
Those countries with close trade ties to the UK like Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark are
forecast to see the largest impact on insolvencies.
December 2018
EUROMETAL Interactive White Paper - the contribution of steel distribution, SSC & trade to the value chain of steel.
November 2018
Bank of England Inflation Report, November 2018
November 2018
NASS Annual Report 2017-2018
Following its approval at NASS' AGM on 11th October, the Annual Report for 2017-2018 is now available for download
October 2018
Atradius Market Monitor - Focus on Automotive Performance and Output
September 2018
CBI Monthly Economic Brief - August 2018
Economic summary
• New monthly GDP estimates from the ONS point to firmer growth in Q2 after a weather-addled Q1
• The latest CBI survey data shows some signs that good weather is aiding consumer-facing firms in the short term, while firm global growth and the lower value of the pound continues to support the manufacturing sector.
• The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously (9-0) to increase rates by 25 basis points to 0.75% in August.
August 2018
Bank of England Inflation Report, August 2018
August 2018
CBI - Winning Worldwide A Four-Step Exports Growth Plan for the UK
The report highlights best practice to replicate, and major obstacles holding firms back, across a wide range of areas including employee mobility and migration, connectivity of ports and overseas markets, foreign languages and STEM education, R&D incentives and export finance.
The CBI is calling for the government to reorganise its departmental collaboration and information sharing to capitalise on the areas where exporters most benefit from government assistance. With a new Export Strategy Council to join up trade-related officials from all departments in Whitehall and new responsibilities concerning trade wins for the UK’s senior diplomats overseas, the CBI hopes to see a whole government effort to put trade more at the heart of policymaking.
July 2018
CBI - Brexit White Paper - analysis of cross-cutting & sectoral issues
Read CBI's detailed analysis of the cross-cutting issues that matter for businesses as well as sector-by-sector detail.
July 2018
EEF BDO Regional Manufacturing Outlook, July 2018
Drawing data from EEF’s quarterly Manufacturing Outlook survey our regional report shows that industry had fared well across all regions over the past year. As always, the sectoral make up in each region means that the leading and lagging regions have shifted about somewhat, compared with a year ago.
Regional snapshot
The past year has seen a pick-up in confidence across the majority of UK regions, continuing the recovery from the wobble in the immediate aftermath of the Brexit vote. Only the East of England, South East and London, and West Midlands bucked this trend, remaining below their pre-Brexit levels. The broad improvement in confidence is not that surprising given the exceptional year manufacturing on the whole has had, with order books well stocked across the year. Nevertheless uncertainty, particularly the closer we get to the 2019 EU exit deadline, as well as rising global trade tensions, risks hindering manufacturers’ outlook in the coming year.
July 2018
CBI Q2 Survey Summary
SKILLS SHORTAGE CONCERNS PUSH FIRMS TO TAKE ACTION
Weak growth in Q1 raised concerns that the economy could be entering a more sustained slowdown. However, our Q1 surveys didn’t show a deterioration in momentum across the sectors which we survey, and the Bank of England expressed scepticism about the extent of the Q1 slowdown. Our surveys for the second quarter suggest growth at a pace similar to that seen during 2017, with disparate trends persisting across sectors: consumer-facing firms continue to be squeezed by weak consumer incomes, while manufacturing continues to benefit from robust demand from abroad.
July 2018
CBI Monthly Economic Brief - July 2018
Economic summary
• Q1 GDP growth was revised up a touch to 0.2%, from 0.1% in earlier estimates
• Business surveys point to an improvement in growth in Q2 relative to Q1 official data
• The latest Financial Services Survey reveals flat volumes and no improvement in optimism
• Chances of a Bank of England rate rise in August increase
July 2018
EEF Trading Blows: Update on global trade outlook
The past decade has thrown up quite a bit of turbulence for exporters. From wobbles in the global growth outlook to geopolitical tensions and from big Sterling swings to the emergence of more protectionist trade policies and that’s before we even get to Brexit and what it will mean for future trading relations with the rest of the European Union. Combined, this has left export growth, in the past ten years, running behind that seen before the financial crisis.
Last year, we took a look at how some of these factors had been shaping the fortunes of UK manufacturers. Our report Global Trade: run aground or structurally sound confirmed the assessment of many international economists, that both weakness in global demand and the emergence of a range of structural barriers to trade growth were putting a cap on the potential growth of exporters.
A year on, how has this changed? Our latest update Trading Blows, shows that the cyclical upturn in the global economy and a strategic focus on exporting amongst businesses has underpinned stronger trade growth for UK firms, but structural challenges – especially more protectionist trade policies – are still in play. This new trade climate as well as the looming EU exit date ups the ante to the delivery of a clear and comprehension strategy on export promotion – as promised in the government’s industrial strategy white paper last autumn. Our new report takes a look at the types of help and support UK manufacturers require when growing their international sales.
Increasingly, economic data is pointing to a less buoyant outlook for global trade than that seen in the past year. However, better collaboration between manufacturers and government to build the right support, implement the right export strategies and adopt the right approach to opening up new markets post-Brexit can help ensure our exporters contribute to sustainable economic growth.
July 2018
Bank of England, Agents' Summary of Conditions, Q2 2018
June 2018
Atradius Economic Research Brexit June 2018
Summary
The pound sterling has depreciated substantially against the euro since June 2016, reducing purchasing
power in the UK but boosting competitiveness of UK exports.
This has already had a significant impact on trade flows between the UK and the rest of the EU: most recent
figures show 6.8% growth in UK exports to the rest of the EU but only 0.9% growth the other way around.
The exchange rate is expected to stabilise in 2018 and 2019, reducing the boost for UK exports but also
easing the strain on EU exporters to the UK. Should negotiations further stall or even break down,
renewed downward pressure would be placed on the pound, continuing and possibly worsening these
trade effects.
June 2018
EEF/BDO Manufacturing Outlook 2018, Q2
June 2018
Atradius Country Report - Western Europe - May 2018
British business insolvencies are expected to rise again in 2018, mainly affecting businesses active in the construction, retail and hospitality sectors.
May 2018
EEF Unlocking Employee Productivity
This study brings together academic research on productivity and wellbeing in manufacturing businesses, a survey of over 100 UK manufacturing businesses and case study interviews with four firms which are working to improve the wellbeing of their employees. The report provides new sector-focussed insight into the impact of health and wellbeing on performance and productivity in manufacturing.
May 2018
Bank of England, Agents' Summary of Conditions, Q1 2018
April 2018
Atradius Economic Research, Trump tariffs threaten trade
By raising tariffs on steel and aluminium the US president has proudly delivered on a campaign promise. US steel and aluminium producers gain, but it comes at the expense of US metal consuming firms.
March 2018
Graydon UK - Are you ready for GDPR?
GDPR will come into effect on 25 May 2018 in the EU. All UK businesses will need to comply with the new legislation. It is crucial to ensure that your business is prepared so Graydon UK have identified steps to take to ensure compliance.
March 2018
GDPR - Guide to Data Protection
This guide is for those who have day-to-day responsibility for data protection produced by the UK Information Commissioners office.
It explains the purpose and effect of each principle, gives practical examples and answers frequently
asked questions. It also contains specialist topics including CCTV, employment and data sharing.
March 2018
EEF/BDO Manufacturing Outlook 2018, Q1
Britain’s manufacturers have begun 2018 in the same upbeat manner they left last year on the back of the continued improvement in global demand together with a pick-up in the UK market, according to a major survey published by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP.
March 2018
Atradius Market Monitor - Focus on Construction Sector Feb 2018
There are certain issues and patterns that construction industries have in common in any country, regardless of their performance in individual markets: n high level of competition, low profit margins, the fact that public buyers generally pay late and that there is a higher than average proportion of business failures. Long payment duration and cash flow problems/weak financials of smaller construction players are an issue in almost every market. After the major shake-up of the global construction industry caused by the 2008 financial crisis a return to economic normalcy has become visible, however, the rebound in some countries like Belgium, France, Italy and Spain remains
modest compared to pre-crisis levels, as the decline in building activity during the recession was very steep. The recent sudden failure of a major British construction company highlights again the elevated credit risk level for businesses in the construction industry, where thousands of smaller businesses are typically at the back of the queue for payment.
February 2018
Bank of England Inflation Report, February 2017
February 2018
World Steel Association, Steel Statistical Yearbook 2017
December 2017
EEF BDO Manufacturing Outlook, Q4 2017
December 2017
EUROMETAL, Outlook on Economies and Steel Markets, December 2017
December 2017
Acumen Credit Insurance Brokers: Risk Round Up
Since 2016 the global steel industry has started to recover following a period of subdued demand. Both global steel use and steel prices increased again in 2016 which has improved the previously depressed margins of many steel companies. Worldwide apparent steel usage is forecast to increase by 2.6% and 1.6% in 2017 and 2018 according to the World Steel Association (WSA), owing largely to better economic performance in both advanced and developing economies....
November 2017
Industrial Strategy White Paper: Building a Britain Fit for the Future
November 2017
Euler Hermes: UK Economy set for slowest EU growth rate in 2018
November 2017
Atradius Market Monitor, November 2017
Focus on Steel and Metals Performance and Outlook:-
The steel industry has rebounded since 2016, following a period
of subdued demand. Both steel prices and global steel use
increased again last year, which has had a positive effect on the
previously depressed margins of many steel businesses. The
World Steel Association (WSA) forecasts that worldwide apparent
steel use will increase 2.6% in 2017 and 1.6% in 2018, mainly
driven by better economic performance in most advanced and
developing economies.
However, the current steel rebound is mainly driven by cyclical
factors, while fundamental structural issues remain. Steel remains
very susceptible to political and economic risk factors,
currently the increased threat of protectionism, China’s hard
landing, Brexit, and capital outflows from emerging markets.
Should any of these risks materialise, it could immediately lead
to another downturn in regional or global steel demand.
Download the full report here
November 2017
Coface: The UK automotive sector and Brexit – or, how to slow a rolling industry?
The UK automotive industry is entering a dry period. The voices of the main UK industry
representatives and their concerns regarding the negative effects of a potential hard
Brexit appear to remain unheard, while other difficulties are accumulating against
the backdrop of uncertainty. These representatives believe that current negotiations
between the UK and the EU are, at this stage, unfavourable to them, despite the
Prime Minister recently emphasising the country’s will to remain in the Single Market.
The prosperous years of the UK’s automotive industry seem to be a thing of the past. Despite its
many advantages, the sector will have to renew itself once again if it is to resist the impact of the
Brexit. At a time when the automotive sector has to contend with multiple challenges, the prospect
of a disorderly exit from the European Union weighs on the capacity of its players to invest and
innovate. A weakening of the UK executive adds uncertainty to the future of the sector. Download the full report here.
November 2017
Bank of England, Agents' Summary of Conditions, November 2017
November 2017
Bank of England Inflation Report, November 2017
November 2017
QBE: Understanding and Protecting Your Supply Chain
HOW TO DE-RISK SUPPLY CHAINS
IN A WORLD OF GLOBAL SUPPLY
QBE specialises in business insurance. We work closely with companies
to protect their businesses and make their ambitions possible.
Increasingly, we are helping customers to understand, manage and
mitigate the risks in their supply chains.
Supply-chain management is inherently complex, especially in an age
of Brexit uncertainties, increasing protectionism and global political
upheaval. Supply-chain risk is hard to quantify. Within a company,
one person alone rarely takes responsibility for it. The risk manager
may be the owner of the business continuity plan, but the needs of
the procurement, operations and distribution teams also have to be
included. Finally, each business’s leadership is likely to have strong views
on costs and supply that affect how the chain is managed.
Companies struggle to pull these strands together. In this guide we offer
a clear way to understand and manage the risks in your supply chain in
a cost-effective and sustainable way. Good risk management requires
strong leadership. If you lead a business that has yet to analyse the
weaknesses in its supply chain, we hope this guide will show you how
to protect your company, your customers and your future profitability.
October 2017
EUROMETAL, Outlook on Economies and Steel Markets, October 2017
October 2017
NASS Annual Report 2016-2017
Following its approval at NASS' AGM on 12th October, the Annual Report for 2016-2017 is now available for download
October 2017
UK Steel Price Increases to continue into 2018
The National Association of Steel Service Centres (NASS) reported last November that UK steel price increases were inevitable in 2017. In recent weeks NASS has conducted a number of surveys with its Members within the UK and its supply base. Business sentiment remains firm with further supply increases for Q4, 2017 and Q1, 2018 already in place. Given the continued price pressure evident in the steel supply chains, NASS has again taken this opportunity to comment and reflect upon current market conditions in the UK as 2017 comes to a close and we look forward to 2018.
Please follow the link for the full press release from NASS Director General Peter Corfield
October 2017
EUROMETAL, Outlook on Economies and Steel Markets, September 2017
September 2017
EEF BDO Manufacturing Outlook, Q3 2017
September 2017
EEF: Global Trade – run aground or structurally sound?
This research report looks at the factors behind weaker growth in global trade and how this impacts UK manufacturing.
• The key finding is that many export destinations are not as open to trade as they were before the financial crisis.
• While cyclical factors have played something of a role in weaker growth, structural factors (such as the retreat of global value chains, a comeback in protectionism and trade finance drying up) appear to play an important part in explaining the slowdown in world trade.
• These challenges will not simply dissipate with a stronger world economy, the message for both manufacturers and policy makers is that their response cannot be business as usual.
July 2017
Bank of England Agents Summary, Q2 2017
June 2017
EEF BDO Manufacturing Outlook, Q2 2017
British manufacturers are continuing to enjoy a surge in performance on the back of a synchronised upswing in global markets according to the Q2 2017 EEF/BDO Manufacturing Outlook
June 2017
EUROMETAL Outlook on Economies and Steel Markets, June 2017
June 2017
Bank of England Inflation Report, May 2017
May 2017
CBI, Backing Britain's Prosperity
The next Government should prioritise stability and a long-term vision for the economy.
The UK stands at a crossroads. Brexit creates significant challenges for the UK’s economy, but it also brings opportunities. It offers a chance to address the UK’s deep-seated problems of low productivity and fire-up its potential as one of the most inclusive, innovative and open economies in the world.
In Backing Britain’s prosperity, the CBI asks the next government to reaffirm its pride in UK business, and their commitment to working in partnership with firms to manage the risks and take advantage of the opportunities ahead. With a pro-enterprise government, the CBI believes the UK can become the most competitive and prosperous economy in the world.
May 2017
EEF - Making the Future, Making Britain Great – a manifesto for manufacturing
Britain could build on its position as a modern manufacturing powerhouse if the newly-elected Government commits to a long-term, ambitious industrial strategy.
EEF’s manifesto Making the Future, Making Britain Great urges a new Government to use the opportunity to fully commit to a comprehensive industrial strategy, building on the momentum created by the surge in recent manufacturing performance in recent data including GDP and PMI figures.
May 2017
EUROMETAL Outlook on Economies and Steel Markets, May 2017
May 2017
EEF Absence Benchmark report 2017
Do you know the current industry average for absence?
Measuring and understanding the level of absence within your company is important, but knowing how this compares to other companies in your sector or region is what can really help you to understand if your sickness absence levels are of concern.
April 2017
EUROMETAL Outlook on Economies and Steel Markets, April 2017
April 2017
CBI, Shaping regional infrastructure
How does improving infrastructure and boosting productivity go hand in hand? Read the full report
Infrastructure provides the essential foundations business needs to deliver jobs, growth and prosperity for all. Improving infrastructure across the country will therefore be crucial to addressing regional disparities and driving productivity.
April 2017
Euler Hermes, Brexit Economic Dashboard and Scenarios
April 2017
EH, Brexit - Which Sectors are Impacted in the Short Run?
April 2017
Euler Hermes, The Taming of The Brexit
The withdrawal notification sent by the UK government to the European Council on March 29th triggered the two-year countdown specified by Art. 50. As a result, we expect the ratification of the EU exit agreement to be held between Fall 2018 and March 2019. Divorce talks will mainly focus on the UK’s outstanding commitments, the end of the UK inclusion in several EU institutions and the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and vice versa.
The UK economy will continue to be resilient during the negotiations period but consumer spending would take a hit from higher inflation and slowdown in wages, and investments could go into wait-and-see mode. Overall, we expect UK GDP growth to slow down to +1.4% in 2017 from +1.8% in 2016 and to +1.0% in 2018.
April 2017
EEF, 3 Ways to Boost your Supply Chain Efficiency
Sometimes making small process corrections can lead to big efficiency gains. Find out three simple, but often overlooked areas for improvement in global supply chains as identified by our Business Growth and continuous improvement experts.
April 2017
Euler Hermes, Insolvency Heat Map 2017
In 2017 insolvencies will remain stable globally. Watch for diverging dynamics across countries when analyzing the expected number of insolvencies compared to 2003-2007 level (x axis) and to 2016 (y axis).
April 2017
UK Steel, UK Implementation of Post Brexit WTO Compliant Trade Defence Remedies
This week, UK Steel has highlighted both our concerns and solutions in a report to the Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox MP
Until the government’s negotiations are completed it is impossible to predict what, if any, restrictions will apply to the use of trade defence remedies and therefore we wanted to set out now what we believe is needed here in the UK from day one of leaving the EU. UK Steel's report sets out the priorities that will ensure free and fair trade following our departure from the EU.
March 2017
UK Steel Annual Review 2016
March 2017
Bank of England, Agents Summary of Conditions, Q1 2017
March 2017
EEF Manufacturing Outlook, Q1 2017
March 2017
Lloyds Bank: Automotive Reserarch Report 2017
The UK automotive industry is going from strength to strength, despite the potential issues and uncertainties presented by the global economy. "Firms are moving to create new growth opportunities, looking at increasing their
investment in research and design, with a particular focus on low carbon and driverless vehicle technology". Read the Lloyds Bank full Report here.
March 2017
EEF, Manufacturing Update, February 2017
February 2017
EUROMETAL Economic Outlook - February 2017
February 2017
Bank of England Inflation Report, Feb 2017
February 2017
Annual Manufacturing Report 2017 published by The Manufacturer
themanufacturer.com This year's in-depth Annual Manufacturing Report assesses the state of UK manufacturing, looking at everything from skills through to finance, IT and the new technologies of Industry 4.0.
February 2017
EUROMETAL Quarterly Report on International Steel Trade, January 2017
January 2017
EEF Monthly Economic Briefing, Jan 2017
January 2017
‘Steel 2020: Forging a Future for the British Steel Industry’
The UK parliamentary report ‘Steel 2020: Forging a Future for the British Steel Industry’ was formally released on 23rd January 2017. Produced by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Steel and Metal Related Industries, the report lists seven key actions which need to be taken so that the UK steel sector can re-invent itself.
Download a copy here.
January 2017
Euler Hermes, Economic Outlook - Insolvencies, The Tip of the Iceberg
January 2017
EEF Manufacturing Sector Bulletins: Automotive
EEF will release four Sector Bulletins over the course of 2017 in partnership with Santander. Each Sector Bulletin will take a deep dive into a manufacturing sector, looking to identify it’s structural characteristics, trade channels, recent performance, risks & opportunities and long-term trends.
For the inaugural quarterly sector bulletin, they look at understanding the automotive industry and how the sector is positioned to deal with Brexit and non-Brexit related challenges over the next few years
January 2017
EEF Executive Survey 2017
UK manufacturers brace themselves for another 'bumpy ride'
This is EEF’s annual survey of manufacturing executives’ views on the year ahead.
UK manufacturers expect 2017 to be another year of risks, but are gearing up to hit its challenges head-on.
January 2017
Bank of England Agents Summary of Conditions - December 2016
December 2016
CBI, Making A Success of Brexit
A whole-economy view of the UK-EU negotiations
When the UK voted to leave the European Union on the June 23rd 2016, it was clear that businesses would be faced with change.
Making a Success of Brexit aims to set out the priorities of sectors and by doing that, give clarity on the issues that apply across sectors, helping the government to maintain the key principles of openness, stability and certainty of trade, immigration, regulation and funding that are shared by all.
December 2016
EUROMETAL Outlook on Economies & Steel Markets, December 2016
December 2016
EEF/BDO Manufacturing Outlook Q4 2016
EEF/BDO Manufacturing Outlook points to early signs that the sector has left behind the negative effects of the low oil price and concerns about global growth and is now seeing opportunities from a resilient UK market and brightening export prospects.
The improved picture is mainly being driven by a better UK market, though the much expected boost from a weaker pound is expected to come to fruition in the next quarter. The survey shows a majority of manufacturing sectors and regions reported more positive output balances in the past three months compared with the previous quarter.
As a result, better conditions are also spurring a rebound in recruitment intentions, as well as a turnaround in investment to fulfil customer requirements and secure productivity gains.
December 2016
CBI, Unlocking Regional Growth
Understanding the drivers of productivity across the UK's regions and nations.
Unlocking higher regional productivity could add £208bn to the UK economy over the next decade, according to the latest CBI research. That's equivalent to an economy that is 10% bigger than it would have been otherwise and should be a major part of the drive to tackle inequality at a time of real concern about living standards and wages.
December 2016
EEF, The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR): A primer for manufacturers
This EEF/Oracle report, The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR): A primer for manufacturers, answers four important questions to help manufacturers on their 4IR journey:
•Is 4IR hype? Or do I need to take this seriously?
•Is the UK manufacturing sector up for this?
•What are the tangible things I can do something with to implement 4IR? (the report includes use case examples)
•What else do I need to do?
The report has been developed through focus groups, interviews and surveys to build up a picture of what manufacturers make of the 4th industrial revolution. This is not just about technology and the report goes into some of the changes that industry leaders will need to make within their company including giving IT a more strategic business planning role, changing company culture to enable higher levels of innovation and adopting a visionary approach to leadership.
November 2016
World Steel Association, Steel Statistical Yearbook 2016
Published by the World Steel Association, this yearbook presents a cross-section of steel industry statistics that are exchanged or published. The co-operation of both members and non-members in supplying the information
included in the publication is gratefully acknowledged. Further details of the statistical sources used are
given in the Annex (p. 120). These contents were finalised in October 2016.
November 2016
Bank of England Agents Summary of Conditions - November 2016
November 2016
Bank of England Inflation Report, November 2016
November 2016
Sustainable Steel: Policy and Indicators 2016
Member companies of the World Steel Association are committed to a vision in which steel is recognised as a key element of a sustainable world. This is achieved by a financially sound industry that takes leadership in environmental, social and economic sustainability. This publication features the steel industry's performance on 8 sustainability indicators for the period 2013-2014-2015.
October 2016
NASS Annual Report, 2015-2016
Following its approval at NASS' AGM on 6th October, the Annual Report for 2015-2016 is now available for download
October 2016
Backing Britain - a manufacturing base for the future
In Backing Britain, the EEF report on UK manufacturers’ decisions about where to locate production as well as probing the reasons why businesses are deciding to ‘make it in Britain’.
This latest research discusses the challenges firms face in bringing production back to the UK and the impact reshoring is having on the bottom line. It also outlines what businesses and policy makers need to do to keep this momentum going and encourage more firms to back Britain.
September 2016
EEF BDO Regional Manufacturing Outlook, July 2016
In the first half of 2016 we had seen growing optimism in the manufacturing sector, but these gains look to have gone into reverse following the EU referendum. Confidence has taken a knock in every region in England and Wales, while expectations among manufacturers around the performance of their business over the next six to twelve months look materially more downbeat.
However, the referendum hasn’t been the only factor affecting manufacturing growth in the regions over the past year. A number of global economic trends have been at play over this period acting either as a drag or a boon on manufacturing activity. The distribution of industries around the country means that economic factors have played out differently in each region.
August 2016
Atradius Economic Research – June 2016
Higher insolvencies anticipated in Europe following Brexit vote
June 2016
UK Steel - Steel Statistics 2016
June 2016
World Steel in Figures 2016
The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has published the 2016 edition of World Steel in Figures. The publication provides a comprehensive overview of steel industry activities, stretching from crude steel production to apparent steel use, from indications of global steel trade flows to iron ore production and trade.
June 2016
World Steel in Figures 2016
Extended Company Listing
June 2016
World Steel In Figures
Infographic
June 2016
Euler Hermes: Economic Insight
Brexit: What does it mean for Europe?
May 2016
MBR - Scrap Outlook for 2016 whitepaper
Read a concise analysis of ferrous scrap price forecasts for 2016
February 2016
Euler Hermes Economic Outlook, No. 1222, January 2016
Macroeconomic and Country Risk Outlook
How will the world economy perform in 2016? In a new report titled “The 7 dwarfs of global growth”, the Economic Research team at Euler Hermes identifies seven key drivers of growth that are too small. This edition of the Economic Outlook explores and analyzes trends in trade, consumerism, investment, insolvencies and other crucial elements of GDP growth. It calls for caution in the face of the “Evil Queen of insolvencies”. One reason for cautious optimism: the “Snow White” of investment is finally reawakening. The report also focuses on regions and hotspots, including China, Brazil, the oil supply glut and commodity prices. It offers a new country risk map and charts, including one that summarizes emerging markets' exposure to Fed interest rate hikes, commodity exports and China.
January 2016
UK Steel Briefing, January 2016
January 2016
UK Steel Briefing Data Slides
January 2016
Atradius Economic Outlook - Traversing Turbulent Water Q4 2015
Global economic growth is expected to be sluggish in 2016. Bankruptcies remain high in the eurozone and are rising in key emerging markets
December 2015
Atradius Economic Research - The slowdown in world trade: temporary or permanent November 2015
Global trade growth has slowed significantly in recent years. For 2015, Atradius predicts just 1% international trade growth. This implies a difficult environment for exporters.
November 2015
The future of UK automotive manufacturing in 2025 and beyond
Long-term forecast paper for The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)......
The UK’s automotive industry is poised for continued growth in both vehicle production and local sourcing of components. This paper forecasts that by 2020, the UK will be producing two million vehicles a year, compared to its current annual total of around 1.5 million. By 2020, UK sourcing is expected to increase from current levels of 41% to upwards of 50%. More than 5,000 jobs at vehicle and engine producers could be created, along with up to 28,000 in the supply chain, by the early 2020s. However, these projected figures are based on the assumption that the UK remains in the EU.
October 2015
Euler Hermes Economic Outlook, No. 1220-1221, September-October 2015
The insolvency U-Turn
Business insolvency worldwide
This year will be remembered as a turning point: the world realized emerging markets are called emerging for a reason. After a five-year love story with the fatest-growing part of the world, time has come for a reality check.
October 2015
Issue 10, NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin, October 2015
Issue 10 of the NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin, October 2015 - with articles from AON Risk Solutions, and Graydon UK Ltd.
October 2015
Atradius Market Monitor - October 2015: Automotive
Atradius Market Monitor – October 2015: Automotive sector
Current performance and outlook of the automotive sector in: Brazil. China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States.
Additionally: performance overview October 2015 – 14 industries in more than 30 countries
October 2015
Atradius Market Monitor - September 2015: Steel and Metals
Tougher times ahead
Current performance and outlook of the steel and metals sector in: Germany, India, Italy, Poland, United Kingdom, Mexico, Turkey, United States, Belgium, Canada and the Netherlands.
Additionally: performance overview September 2015 – 14 industries in more than 30 countries
September 2015
UK Steel - Key Statistics 2015
UK Steels Key Statistics Publication for 2015 with data on UK and world steel output, steel markets, trade and input costs.
August 2015
Atradius Economic Research - Insolvency Forecasts - August 2015
The insolvency outlook for 2015 has weakened and difficulties are expected to continue into 2016.
August 2015
Euler Hermes Economic Outlook, No. 1219, July-August 2015 2015
Automarket - a live wire
Special Report
Things are going amazingly (too) fast in today’s world of disruption. The collaborative consumer is king. The Sharing or On-Demand economy and digital transformation – simply the tip of the iceberg – are just a few of the developments that are knocking traditional industries off course. At a time when the NATU (Netflix, Airbnb, Tesla and Uber) are overtaking the GAFA (Google, Amazon, Facebook and Apple), with regulators, tax specialists and policy-makers not knowing which way to turn and emerging El Dorados seen reaping the advantages of backwardness (rejecting a conventional form of industrial revolution and skipping straight to the latest technological breakthrough), while the automotive sector is certainly on the road to recovery, it could be in for a rough ride.
August 2015
2014-2015 NASS Annual Report
Following its approval at NASS' AGM on 9th July, the Annual Report for 2014-2015 is now available for download
July 2015
MBR - How far will Chinese port stocks of iron ore fall?
In this whitepaper Metal Bulletin Research (MBR) provides an in-depth analysis of current iron ore market dynamics, and examines whether port stock levels have any further to fall.
June 2015
MBR - More iron ore supply displacement expected
This week, Metal Bulletin Research (MBR) takes a look at the intensified competition among iron ore suppliers, and their future prospects.
June 2015
World Steel in Figures 2015
The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has published the 2015 edition of World Steel in Figures. The publication provides a comprehensive overview of steel industry activities, stretching from crude steel production to apparent steel use, from some indications of global steel trade flows to iron ore production and trade.
June 2015
World Steel in Figures 2015
Extended company listing
June 2015
World Steel in Figures 2015
Infographic
June 2015
MBR - Light at the end of the seamless precision drawn tube
Metal Bulletin Research (MBR) takes a look this week at the market for cold drawn seamless precision tubes.
April 2015
Payment Practices Barometer Western Europe- April 2015
Liquidity issues remain the primary reason for payment delays in Western Europe.
April 2015
MBR - Investors still wary of European steelmakers
Metal Bulletin Research (MBR) examines the share price performance of European steelmakers and what this says about investor confidence in the sector..
February 2015
MBR - European steel faces falling prices, higher profitability
Metal Bulletin Research (MBR) this week looks at the relationship between steel prices and European steelmakers’ profit margins.1.
January 2015
CBI: Economic Update, January 2015
January 2015
McKinsey Global Growth: Can Productivity Save the Day in an Aging World?
McKinsey Global Growth: Can Productivity Save the Day in an Aging World?
Executive Summary
January 2015
McKinsey Global Growth: Can Productivity Save the Day in an Aging World?
McKinsey Global Growth: Can Productivity Save the Day in an Aging World? Full Report
There is a great deal of emphasis currently on the short term outlook for growth as many economies continue to experience disappointing recoveries from the 2008 global recession. However, there are pressing questions about the long-term growth outlook given fundamental and dramatic demographic shifts that are now under way.
The past 50 years was a period of exceptionally rapid economic expansion. Average per capita income almost tripled, and the global economy expanded six-fold in GDP terms. But the long-term growth outlook is extremely
uncertain. Some observers raise the issue of challenging demographics; they talk about “secular stagnation”
and express doubts about whether future growth can match its rapid upward trajectory of recent decades.
Others point to the transformative impact of technology and paint a more optimistic picture. The debate about
growth goes even deeper and broader than this. Many question whether—and how—growth can be sustainable
and inclusive. There is a lively discussion about whether GDP is the right measure of growth. Amid such debate,
it is difficult for policy makers and businesses to respond effectively.
January 2015
Metal Bulletin Research’s Outlook for 2015
In this one-off whitepaper, Metal Bulletin Research (MBR), the forecasting division of Metal Bulletin, summarise their outlooks for the metal market by sector:
January 2015
MBR - Will China’s export rebate cut make a difference?
Metal Bulletin Research (MBR) examines the likely effects of China’s cancellation of sales tax rebates on certain types of hot rolled “alloy” steel products from January 1.
January 2015
Issue 9, NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin, December 2014
Issue 9 of the NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin, December 2014 - with articles from AON Trade Credit, Euler Hermes UK and Graydon UK Ltd.
December 2014
NASS Annual Report 2013-14
July 2014
Atradius Country Report, UK, April 2014
Economic rebound on a more stable footing
- Economic growth expected to accelerate in 2014, by 2.7%, followed by 2.5% in 2015 Investments,
- Manufacturing and exports expected to rebound
- Loose monetary policy continues to support growth
- Business insolvencies expected to decrease 3% in 2014 after falling 7% last year.
April 2014
EEF BDO Manufacturing Outlook, March 2014
April 2014
BCC Quarterly Economic Summary, Q1 2014, Infographic
April 2014
BCC Quarterly Economic Survey, Q1 2014, Summary
April 2014
Issue 8, NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin, April 2014
Issue 8 of the NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin is now available, with articles from Aon Trade Credit, Atradius and Graydon UK Ltd.
April 2014
NASS News Update No 240, 11 April 2014
NASS Seminar: Credit Issues in the Marketplace, 14 May...... NASS Golf Day, Breadsall Priory, 5 June..... NASS Race Day, Stratford upon Avon, 31 July..... Barrett Steel accredited with a trio of landmark awards..... KASTO goes from strength to strength..... Latest Key Employment Rate Sheets..... Plus Forthcoming Events and the latest news and economic information for the manufacturing industry
April 2014
Euler Hermes Economic Outlook No 1204
All things come to those who wait. Green shoots for one out of four sectors - February 2014
"As a recovery starts to take shape, certain sectors plod sorely towards a future that is still much too uncertain. Even though sector risks seem to show an improvement in 2014, certain hotspots remain..."
March 2014
Atradius Market Monitor, February 2014
Current performance and outlook of the construction sector in: Belgium, France, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Turkey, UK, USA
Additionally: performance overview February 2014 - 14 industries in more than 30 countries.
March 2014
Backing Britain a manufacturing base for the future
The shifting winds of globalisation are blowing some manufacturing activity back to the UK’s shores. In Backing Britain, the EEF reports on UK manufacturers’ decisions about where to locate production as well as probing the reasons why businesses are deciding to ‘make it in Britain’. Their latest research discusses the challenges firms face in bringing production back to the UK and the impact reshoring is having on the bottom line. They also outline what businesses and policy makers need to do to keep this momentum going and encourage more firms to back Britain.
March 2014
HS2 Yorkshire Business Survey
HS2 is the largest single infrastructure project ever contemplated in the UK – indeed it is estimated that it will be the biggest construction project in Europe.
November 2013
Atradius Market Monitor, Oct 13, Automotive
Current performance and outlook of the automotive sector in: Belgium, China, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, UK, USA
Additionally: performance overview October 2013 – 14 industries in more than 30 countries.
October 2013
Coface, should we stake everything on the Asian consumer
This panorama contains a study on household consumption in Asia. In the face of the 2008-2009 global crisis, followed by the sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone in 2011, Asian household consumption has been a source of relative resilience for the region’s economies.
Some of their activity sectors have actually suffered very little. Many analysts place great hopes in this positive trend in Asian consumption, to the point where they can forget the unique aspects of consumer behaviour in the countries of the region, and especially the growing risks associated with household debt.
October 2013
Issue 7, NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin, October 2013
Issue 7 of the NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin is now available, with articles from Aon Trade Credit, QBE Trade Credit Europe and Graydon UK Ltd.
October 2013
Atradius Market Monitor, Sept 13, Steel and Metals
Current performance and outlook of the steel/metals sector in: China, France, India, Japan, Russia, Turkey, USA, and Australia (mining)
Additionally: performance overview September 2013 – 14 industries in more than 30 countries.
September 2013
Coface, Carmakers Refocusing on Emerging Markets
This Panorama includes our global sector barometer, which analyses the situation in fourteen key economic sectors in three of the world‘s major regions (European Union, North America and Emerging Asia) through a single credit risk indicator. In Europe, sector risks continue to deteriorate, especially in chemicals due to the remaining difficulties in the European industry, and also in the pharmaceutical branch due to the fiscal tightening measures taken by the governments.
This Panorama also contains our study on the refocusing of European carmakers on emerging countries through two key emerging markets, Russia and Turkey.
July 2013
NASS News Update No 237 - 12 July 2013
Introducing NASS Members to Steel First..... Malthouse Engineering prepares to celebrate 65th anniversary..... Euler Hermes' latest Economic Outlook..... Barrett Steel's Tom Barrett wins national Red Ribbon Award..... Kaltenbach launch new state-of-the-art Plate Processing Centre, KF2612..... Plus Forthcoming Events and the latest news and economic information for the manufacturing industry
July 2013
UK Steel - Key Statistics 2013
July 2013
CBI - Full speed ahead: An industrial strategy for the UK automotive sector
July 2013
European Commission - Action Plan for a Competitive and Sustainable Steel Industry in Europe
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE PARLIAMENT, THE
COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE
COMMITTEE OF REGIONS
Action Plan for a competitive and sustainable steel industry in Europe
July 2013
CBI - The Only Way is Exports: renewing the UK's role as a trading nation
April 2013
Issue 6, NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin
Issue 6 of the NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin is now available, with articles from Aon Trade Credit, Coface and Graydon UK Ltd.
April 2013
Steel Construction - CE Marking
March 2013
Graydon UK's Report: Commercial Fraud - Managing the Risk
Did you know that UK businesses are estimated to lose £45.5 billion per year to fraudsters? Find out more about the latest trends in UK fraud with Graydon UK's Commercial Fraud - Managing the Risk report.
March 2013
CBI - Bold Thinking: a model to fund our future roads
Calling for a gear change in investment, performance and efficiency, the CBI’s new report, Bold thinking: a model to fund our future roads, outlines the action required to create a network fit for the 21st century.
November 2012
NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin
Issue 5 of the NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin is now available, with articles from Aon Trade Credit, Euler Hermes and Graydon UK Ltd.
October 2012
Atradius Market Monitor
Atradius Market Monitor
Focus on Steel/Metals and Mining Performance and Outlook
September 2012
September 2012
UK Steel, Key Statistics 2012
An annual publication, with data on UK and world steel output, steel markets, trade and input costs
August 2012
NASS Competition Law Guidance
July 2012
NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin
Issue 4 of the NASS Steel Sector Credit Bulletin, with articles from AON Trade Credit, Atradius and Graydon UK Ltd.
April 2012