Tough economic conditions are impacting Cumbria manufacturers, says a business advisor in the region.
Ginni Cooper, partner at accountancy and advisory firm MHA, based in Cumbria, cites the rises in raw material costs and a boost in the National Living Wage as significant factors influencing manufacturing firms' profitability.
Ms Cooper's comments follow the updated UK Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) data, released on May 1, which revealed a contraction in both output and new orders throughout April.
Yet, 52 per cent of the sector remains hopeful, forecasting a rise in output over the coming year.
Ms Cooper, who advises regional manufacturing and engineering businesses, said: "The economic environment remains challenging, and there continue to be external forces outside the control of the sector which are putting real pressure on manufacturing businesses, and which is dampening confidence."
The S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI saw a drop in April, decelerating to 49.1 from March's 20-month peak of 50.3.
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