Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

UK Manufacturing Growth Improves Unexpectedly in September

British factories recorded an unexpected pick up in their activities in September stalling a three-month-long slow growth ahead of Brexit scheduled next year, according to a private data released on Monday (1).

The seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) posted 53.8 in September, following an upwardly revised figure of 53.0 in August (originally published as 52.8). The PMI has remained above the neutral 50.0 mark for 26 months.


The end of the third quarter saw a mild improvement in the performance of the UK manufacturing sector. Rates of expansion in output and new orders gained traction, while the trend in new export business saw a modest recovery following August's solid contraction. On the price front, rates of input cost and output charge inflation both strengthened, the survey said.

UK manufacturing production rose for the twenty-sixth successive month in September, with the rate of increase rising to a four-month high.

September data signalled a broad-based improvement in business conditions. PMI readings for the consumer, intermediate and investment goods sectors all remained in expansion territory, with stronger rates of increase signalled in the latter two industries.

September saw a solid increase in new orders, reflecting improved inflows from the domestic and export markets. Foreign demand posted a mild recovery following the solid contraction registered in August, with companies linking growth to higher sales to the USA, Europe, Canada, Scandinavia and Russia.

UK manufacturing employment also increased at the end of the third quarter, as jobs growth at SMEs offset further cuts at large-scale producers.

Rob Dobson, Director at IHS Markit, which compiles the survey said, “September saw a mild improvement in the performance of the UK manufacturing sector. Domestic market demand strengthened, while increased orders from North America and Europe helped new export business stage a modest recovery from August's contraction. Business confidence also rose to a three month high.”

Business optimism rose in September, with over 53 per cent of companies expecting production to increase over the next 12 months. Firms' optimistic outlook was attributed to new capacity, organic growth, improved sales, investment in new equipment and planned new product launches.

However, some manufacturers also noted that Brexit and exchange rate movements were making forecasts less certain.

More For You

Apple India Reroutes 97% of iPhones to US Amid Tariff Push

Apple iPhones are seen inside India's first Apple retail store in Mumbai, India, April 17, 2023.

REUTERS

Foxconn sends 97 per cent of India iPhone exports to US amid tariff push

NEARLY all iPhones exported by Foxconn from India between March and May were shipped to the United States, according to customs data reviewed by Reuters.

The data showed that 97 per cent of Foxconn’s iPhone exports during this period went to the US, significantly higher than the 2024 average of 50.3 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
London Tech Week: Indian firms show investment intent

Keir Starmer at London Tech Week in London on Monday (9)

London Tech Week: Indian firms show investment intent

MORE THAN 350 technology companies from India joined London Tech Week, which began on Monday – making it the largest-ever delegation from the country to attend the event.

London mayor Sadiq Khan’s office, City Hall, described the rise in Indian participation as a reflection of deepening ties between India and London’s tech sectors, following the recent signing of the India– UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Keep ReadingShow less
London Tech Week

The discussion around inclusivity and parenthood is likely to remain in the spotlight.

Getty Images

London Tech Week: Woman entrepreneur says she was humiliated after being denied entry for bringing baby

A female entrepreneur has said she felt “absolutely humiliated” after being denied entry to London Tech Week because she was accompanied by her 18-month-old daughter.

Davina Schonle, founder and chief executive of AI start-up Humanvantage AI, had travelled from her home to attend the event at Olympia on Monday, 10 June. She said she had made a three-hour journey to London with her daughter, Isabella, only to be turned away on arrival because children were not allowed into the venue.

Keep ReadingShow less
Smartless Mobile launched by podcast trio

The move marks the first commercial spin-off from the Smartless podcast

Getty Images

Smartless podcast trio launches Smartless Mobile as low-cost phone service

The hosts of the popular Smartless podcast, actors Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes, have launched a new mobile phone service in the United States. Called Smartless Mobile, the service offers a budget-friendly alternative to traditional phone plans and is aimed at users who spend most of their time connected to WiFi.

The move marks the first commercial spin-off from the Smartless podcast, which is known for its celebrity interviews and humorous tone. The new venture was announced in early June 2025 and has already begun accepting sign-ups across the US mainland and Puerto Rico.

Keep ReadingShow less