The survey is supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the Future of British Manufacturing and helps to compile a picture of the sector across England, Scotland and Wales, with a dedicated focus on South East businesses.
The survey has grown as a go-to report for the SME sector and is used by the banks, lobbying organisations and even by the All-Party Parliamentary Manufacturing Group to gain an insight into opportunities and challenges, and what can be done to support the sector.
The survey will focus on how businesses are operating and will look at a number of key areas including innovation, recruitment, exports, costs, funding, productivity, energy and sustainability.
Once the results have been analysed, participants will receive the full report detailing the findings with case studies and commentary from industry experts.
Ex-engineer Chris Coopey, head of Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology at both MHA Carpenter Box and MHA, comments: “Over the past six years this survey has gone from strength to strength. With Brexit only six months away, the data we collect this year should help to give us a clear indication of the real issues around Brexit for the sector, as well as the opportunities. Our job is to use the findings to do everything we can to help the sector grow in the face of what are very interesting and uncertain times”.
Businesses interested in completing the survey before the closing date of 30 September 2018 can find it by clicking here.