RSM and Make UK have surveyed more than 200 business leaders from across the manufacturing sector to establish where they will prioritise their investments over the next 12 months and how they will access the finance needed to fuel these investments. One thing is clear: the industry intends on using data to drive productivity more than it ever has before.
Access our report to learn about the investment decisions that will shape the future of manufacturing.
- Investment priorities for 2025
- Making digital investments
- Access to finance
- Government support
Investment priorities for 2025
Doing business has been tough for manufacturers for too long. Geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, lagging demand and supply chain challenges have all impacted business confidence and delayed investment decisions.
Against the backdrop of more stable market conditions, our report explores reasons for optimism within the industry’s next 12 months' investment priorities, highlighting the factors that will influence these decisions and the share of company turnover being allocated to different investments.
Making digital investments
Investing in digital technologies is crucial for manufacturers, driving innovation, enhancing productivity and strengthening competitiveness in an increasingly data-driven world.
Our survey highlights the growing use of data analytics, driving efficiency across the sector. So, where are manufacturers currently feeling the benefits and where do the greatest opportunities lie ahead? From vision to optimisation, discover the five steps to consider when adopting new digital technologies in our report.
Access to finance
A key ingredient in the investment cycle is how businesses access and use finance to support their capital expenditures. Following 14 consecutive interest rate increases since 2021, there has been growing concern that access to finance would become more restricted, with one in four confirming they are finding it difficult to raise funds.
So, what alternative financing options are available? And what are the biggest challenges? Our report uncovers all.
Government support
The survey findings clearly show that manufacturers have bold investment plans and are embracing digital technologies, like data analytics, with open arms. There is a significant opportunity to support businesses on this journey by ensuring government policy fosters a conducive business environment. The industry has clear asks for policy makers, along with some future principles for government to adopt when designing investment incentives. A detailed list of policy changes that manufacturers believe will help further incentivise investment activity is included within our report.