Britain’s manufacturing sector is showing encouraging signs of stabilising and even growing after a turbulent period, highlighting the resilience of UK industry and its ability to adapt to global challenges.
In December 2025, the S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose above the 50 mark (a key threshold indicating expansion), reaching 50.6, its strongest reading in 15 months. This marked the third consecutive month of output growth and the first sustained increase in new orders since late 2024, signalling renewed confidence among manufacturers. This suggests output and demand conditions are improving and may support further investment and hiring.
On a broader scale, official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that output across UK production industries — including manufacturing — experienced a 1.1% rise in October 2025 compared with the previous month. While quarterly figures have seen some mixed months, this uptick highlights growing dynamism in core industrial sectors, including machinery, motor vehicles and metal goods.
Manufacturing also plays a significant role in the UK economy overall. In the third quarter of 2025, output across manufacturing, aerospace, textiles, electronics and machinery reached an estimated £156.5 billion, around 1.7% higher year‑on‑year. This reflects pockets of robust performance in high‑value industries that contribute to export strength and supply‑chain innovation.
Despite well‑publicised challenges over the past year — from global trade volatility to technological disruption — these recent indicators paint a more positive picture. With output growth returning, rising orders and key subsectors performing strongly, the UK manufacturing sector is demonstrating the adaptability and innovation that underpin British industry’s long‑term success.
