From Yahoo Finance: 2025-06-10 08:14:00

The Manufacturing Health Index data by Unleashed shows growth despite SME business confidence hitting a two-year low. Global uncertainty, inflation, and tax concerns may be unwarranted. Sales revenue rose, but profitability metrics declined. Clothing manufacturers saw a 53% drop in GMROI. Excess stock levels increased by 76%, while delivery lead times decreased by 24%.

Q1 2025 saw a 30% increase in sales for all 12 manufacturing categories analyzed. Profitability rose by 10% generating £4.03 per pound spent on stock. Purchase orders decreased by 7% compared to last year. Lead times reduced across all categories, with Sports & Entertainment leading with a 45% reduction.

Most manufacturing sectors saw positive sales performance except for electronics & telecoms and food categories. Excess stock levels decreased in many categories, with industrial machinery experiencing a 68% drop. UK fashion manufacturers reported record Q1 sales with a 171% surge.



Read more at Yahoo Finance: UK fashion manufacturers see record Q1 sales performance with 171% surge