SMMT supply chain members plan GBP225m of spending over the next three years, as efforts continue to boost the British content of vehicles built in the UK, a survey found.
In a poll of around 100 SMMT supply chain member companies, 94% said they plan to invest in their businesses over the next three years – a total of GBP224,485,000. Of those, four in five (79%) intend to spend on plant, machinery or tooling; three quarters (73%) on skills and apprentices; and two thirds (66%) on new product development. The UK automotive supply sector employs 78,000 people and seven in 10 companies (68%) said they plan to expand their workforce over the next three years.
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“Potential investment does depend, however, on continued political and economic stability and the long term growth of the UK automotive sector,” the SMMT said. The UK is due to vote on leaving or staying in the EU on 23 June and the industry lobby group is firmly in the ‘Remain’ camp.
The SMMT said the British supply chain is a critical element of the wider UK automotive industry, and consists of more than 2,000 companies contributing an annual GBP4.3bn in value added (or tax receipts) direct to the economy. The sector has suffered significant setbacks in past decades (numerous plant closures and shifts to cheaper European countries) but is now undergoing a renaissance: 41% of the components in the average British-built car are now sourced locally, up from 36% in 2011. Efforts to maintain this growth are continuing, supported by both government and industry, and new business opportunities in the UK automotive supply chain are worth up to GBP6bn.
While the findings paint a positive picture of the health and confidence of British-based suppliers, respondents cited various challenges to success. The skills shortage is a key issue of concern, with two in five (41%) companies saying the availability of skilled workers, apprentices and graduates could impede their company’s growth in the next three years. Other possible barriers to growth include exchange rate inconsistencies – identified by 62% of respondents – competition from overseas (58%) and a lack of visibility among purchasers (31%). Fluctuations in the price of materials (33%); energy costs (25%); and difficulty securing funding or finance (21%) were also concerns.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Britain’s car industry is booming, exporting more than ever, and it’s encouraging to see this opening up huge opportunities for the UK supply sector. A strong domestic supply chain is critical to a successful automotive sector and we are confident that, with the right political and economic conditions, significant supply chain investment can be secured, delivering more jobs and growth. Many of the UK’s competitors have far larger and stronger supply sectors, however, so continued government collaboration through organisations such as the Automotive Council will be critical as we strive to ‘re-shore’ more supply chain work.”
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By GlobalDataMore than nine in 10 SMMT members (93%) told the survey that increasing the volume of business they do with UK-based vehicle manufacturers and major suppliers is important to their company’s future, while 77% of those that plan to invest said they will actively pursue new contracts with British-based customers over the next three years.
As well as winning new business at home, SMMT members are also keen to capitalise on opportunities to increase exports, with around two thirds (68%) of those polled currently sending 40% or less of their production overseas. This is likely to increase, with 46% of those planning to invest in their business looking to expand into export markets in the next three years. 44% are looking to identify new business export opportunities in western Europe, 29% in eastern Europe, and 27% in North America.
The survey, which polled 112 of SMMT’s 220 Automotive Components Section members, was conducted online by independent polling agency ComRes during May 2016. Respondents ranged from micro companies employing fewer than 10 people to large firms employing more than 250. Responding to questions about the overall health of the UK automotive supply chain, half (51%) of those surveyed said they feel the state of the sector has improved over the past three years, with only 6% reporting that conditions have worsened. More than three quarters (78%) said they feel positive about their business’ prospects for the coming three years.
The findings were announced to coincide with the Automechanika Birmingham aftermarket and supply chain trade show. It’s the first time the show has been held in the UK. The 14 other global locations have traditionally been aftermarket-only shows and the English event is the first to host supply chain companies.
