UK manufacturers are facing the prospect of two years of anaemic growth, with the latest forecasts suggesting the sector will remain flat this year (0.1% growth) and grow by just half the rate of the economy overall in 2025. However, although the Q1 Manufacturing Outlook survey published by Make UK and BDO suggests that the overall picture is weak, it masks stark sectoral and regional imbalances. Electronics, aerospace, food, and drink are powering ahead, whilst the South East and Wales are performing substantially better than other regions and devolved nations. Richard Austin, Head of Manufacturing at BDO, warned: “We have reached a tipping point where the ramifications of regional disparities may permanently affect the manufacturing sector, which could hamper future growth.” To read BDO’s news release, go to https://www.bdo.co.uk/en-gb/news/2024/manufacturing-faces-anaemic-growth-for-next-two-years-make-uk-bdo-survey.