A new Executive Survey from EEF, ‘the most powerful force backing UK manufacturing’, has shown that the manufacturing sector as a whole is moving at two different speeds, making it clear that umbrella contractors who work in this vital sector must target the right businesses for their next opportunity. Electronics and metals should be avoided, as these areas are not performing as well, whereas manufacturing firms within the rubber and chemicals, transport or mechanical equipment sectors were definitely on the up and up during the latter half of 2011.

As part of the survey, EEF also discovered that it was the larger manufacturing companies who would be taking on more contract or other non-permanent staff during 2012 rather than investing in full time employees – again helping contractors who work through umbrella companies to ‘know where to look’ for the next juicy project. And as with many sectors at the moment, skills shortages have also been identified – again presenting a clear opportunity for umbrella contractors with the right skills.