Manufacturers navigating the COVID-19 pandemic need to take stock of the best way ahead as the government prepares to reduce some areas of support.

The growth plans of more than one in four of Britain’s small and medium sized manufacturers are being jeopardised by a shortage of skilled people, according to the annual Manufacturing Survey by MHA, the UK-wide group of accountancy and business advisory firms.

UK manufacturers are being invited to have their say on the effect of the engineering skills gap as part of a major industry survey, launched by MHA, the association of accountancy and business advisory firms. Supported by Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, the 2015 MHA Manufacturing & Engineering Survey will look at the barriers to growth and the long term implications of failing to invest in engineering talent at every level.