‘Manufacturing' strong sales despite economic downturn
Manufacturers in Sheffield are defying the economic slump with strong export sales, figures have shown.
Data proves that manufacturing export sales in South Yorkshire have seen a 23 per cent increase in the final quarter of 2008.
Predictions for the future also look positive, according to the Quarterly Economic Survey published by the British Chamber of Commerce.
The SYITC - a partnership of Barnsley and Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce - offers export advice to member businesses.
Two manufacturers leading the way with high export sales include Arkote, based at Parkway Rise, Sheffield, one of the world's leading suppliers of knives to the tobacco industry.
Peter Skinner, managing director of Arkote, said: "Around 80 to 85 per cent of our business is export so it is the most vital component".
"We're performing very well at present. The markets we serve are currently holding up and that has been borne out by recent figures. We budgeted for a slight slowdown this year but we're actually marginally up, which is very encouraging".
"Although we are performing at a higher level than expected, it is not a time to rest on our laurels. We are planning to continue our marketing efforts to ready us for the improvements in the economy".
DavyMarkham is a South Yorkshire engineering firm which deals in the design, manufacturing, fabrication and machining of heavy and complex engineering components and assemblies.
Managing Director Kevin Parkin, said: "Eighty per cent of what we do is direct export and as much as ten per cent more is exported by our clients".
"Because of the management of the company we are well placed to deal with these financial conditions".
"We have now developed a diverse portfolio of business partnerships across many industries. We implemented this strategy three years ago to help safeguard against financial downturns. Obviously we couldn't have predicted an economic meltdown of this magnitude, but we purposely sought out sectors that we felt were the most viable and sustainable options, during the inevitable descent of the economic cycle".
Renate Halton, Head of International Trade, at SYITC said: "I am delighted to hear that the two well established companies are experiencing positive sales through exporting. This is testament to carefully planned strategies, adapting to market conditions and ongoing pro-active marketing efforts".
"The SYITC is providing expertise to Chamber members in South Yorkshire. We are very busy as more companies are seeking our support to expand their business through international trade."
These results support new research by the Open University Business School which revealed that SMEs in Yorkshire and the Humber are still increasing their sales despite the difficult economic conditions.
