Welcome to the Friday Brief.
The good news this week is that the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for the UK leapt to a 28-month high with growth rates for both production and new orders at their highest since February 2011. Analysis of the returns shows that manufacturers reported new export business rising at the fastest pace for two years, building on further new contract wins in the UK.
For most of the main economies in Europe the trends are similarly positive, with the main exception being Spain. However, analysis of similar data from markets in Asia, principally China, South Korea and Taiwan, saw trends weaken compared to the June levels.
The MTA conducts its own Business Survey with the July edition now open. The Association relies on members contributions to make the Survey as representative as possible. You can access the on-line form at http://www.mta.org.uk/mta-business-survey-july13; even if you can’t (or would rather not) answer all the questions, you can still contribute towards the overall picture of the sector - please try to do this by Friday 9th August.
Other news this week leads with an invitation to a Department of Business, Innovation and Skills funded master class in helping your business to grow. The event will be held at the MTC in Coventry on 13 August so act now to secure your place. Businesses considering opportunities in the fast growing market of Brazil should apply to join a UKTI/CBI organised trade mission to the country in December. We have further details.
This week’s brief has details of two conferences with imminent application deadlines. The first will be held during EMO in Hannover and will consider improving product efficiencies. Members with an interest in robotics should check out a conference on the latest industrial applications to be held in Toulouse later this year.
We also have news of the introduction of employment tribunal fees and the possible implications for employers. Finally, it’s time to improve your swing with the Annual MTA Golf Day looming in September; full details as always are in the Brief.
Have a good weekend.