The latest economic data from the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce shows a rebound in domestic sales for manufacturers in the Yorkshire region in Q2 following a sharp decline in Q1 of this year.
Despite strong domestic performance, Yorkshire manufacturers are still struggling to bounce back overseas, with data showing a six per cent drop in export sales.
The latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) from the Chamber, in partnership with the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, is backed by Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and forms part of the national British Chambers of Commerce’s research.
As well as reviewing quarterly employment figures, the survey also covers investment plans, domestic and overseas sales, and business confidence levels.
Manufacturers make up approximately one fifth of companies across the West and North Yorkshire regions, employing over 130,000 people.
Martin Hathaway, managing director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Yorkshire has a strong heritage in manufacturing, so I am delighted to see these firms bouncing back after a tumultuous few years.
“Yorkshire is home to world leaders in the manufacture of chemicals, medical technology and electrical equipment, but a lack of suitable skills provision and funding for the north has meant that we are often disregarded.
“To truly unlock Yorkshire’s potential, we need support on a national level.
“Mayor Tracy Brabin’s West Yorkshire Plan sets it out perfectly into five key focus areas: economy, community, transport, sustainability and safety.
“These areas all contribute to creating an eco-system that allows businesses to flourish, individuals to train locally and excel in their fields, and attracts people to visit, invest and enjoy their time in Yorkshire.”
Jacqui Gedman, chief executive of Kirklees Council, said “Accounting for more than 18% of jobs in Kirklees (compared with 7.5% for England as a whole), manufacturing remains an essential part of the local economy.
“Our team of local business advisors, working with key partners including the Chamber and Combined Authority, continue to support a diverse of Kirklees businesses at all stages of their growth journey, delivering jobs and other benefits to local communities.
“The Kirklees Innovation Voucher programme, which helps small businesses to take their first steps towards developing innovative new products, services or processes, is just one example of the support available. Q2 has also seen further, significant progress in our transformational Blueprint regeneration programmes for Huddersfield.
“Planning consent has now been granted for the refurbishment of the George Hotel – a hugely important step towards the creation of a new Radisson Red hotel that will open in 2024, representing a step change for the hospitality sector. “With the Transpennine Upgrade programme now underway to improve rail connectivity to/from Leeds and Manchester, the Council and its partners continue to invest in making our main centres more attractive places to live, work and start or grow a business.”