Firms using more suppliers in UK

COMPANIES are increasing the number of UK suppliers following disruption caused by the pandemic and Brexit, new research suggests.

A survey of more than 130 manufacturers found that almost half have more UK suppliers than two years ago, and the trend is set to continue.

Make UK said its findings showed that off-shoring by manufacturers in response to globalisation, and operating a ‘just in time’ process with guaranteed transport links and low-cost production, have been “turned upside down”.

Disruption and increased volatility were “fast becoming normal”, said the manufacturers organisation.

Companies were significantly increasing the number of suppliers so they have more options in the event of disruption, with these suppliers increasingly sourced back in the UK or Western Europe, said the report.