THE VALUE OF STERLING - THERE’S GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS
Manufacturing output and orders grew over the last quarter, with export volumes growth the strongest for two and half years, according to the latest quarterly CBI Industrial Trends Survey. The survey of 459
manufacturers reveals that competitiveness in EU markets rose at the fastest pace since the series began in 2000, with competitiveness outside the bloc also improving at the quickest rate since 2009. Domestic demand grew
modestly, while export orders rose for the first time in over a year. The outlook for demand over the next three months is generally positive, with export orders expected to rise further, along with more modest growth in
domestic orders. But concerns persist about the availability of skilled labour, with almost a quarter of respondents observing that skilled labour availability could limit output over the next few months. Optimism about the business
situation fell slightly again following last quarter’s sharp decline. And numbers employed fell slightly for the first time since 2010 and look set to fall faster over the quarter ahead. But investment intentions improved following the decline last quarter, and investment plans for the year ahead are now more firmly above their long-run averages. Following sterling’s sharp depreciation, unit costs rose at their fastest pace in three years,
and are expected to continue growing at above their long-term average over the quarter ahead. This was accompanied by modest domestic price inflation, as manufacturers sought to pass on some of the cost increase to their customers. Despite welcome signs of improved export demand and competitiveness, the majority of exporting manufacturing firms have said that the fall in the pound since June has had a negative impact on their business. In a supplementary question asked alongside this month’s survey, 47% of manufacturing firms cited sterling’s depreciation as having a negative impact, against 32% citing a positive impact.
www.cbi.org.uk
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ANALYSER TRADE-IN MEANS EXTRA SAVINGS
There’s some welcome news for those of us trying to inspire the next generation of engineers - the latest industry pay benchmarking report from EEF says engineering graduates can expect to earn over £5000 more than other UK graduates, reinforcing engineering’s reputation for being a well-paid career. The report says basic median pay for engineers has increased 2% year-on-year, while engineering graduates’ average pay has increased by 4% since 2015 (up from £26890 to £28000 on average). This trend continues with both
senior engineers and engineers earning more than the average UK worker. Salaries are £41800 and £32699 respectively, higher than the national average pay in the UK which is £27607 according to the ONS (Office for National Statistics). With an ever-widening skills gap and a growing dearth of engineers, engineers’ pay is bound to rise further. So, when encouraging the next generation into a career in engineering, it’s probably not a bad idea to add these figures to the list of benefits to be had. Hard cash is a motivator that shouldn’t be ignored!
Michelle Lea - Editor
Ashtead Technology is offering a trade-in for old emissions analysers, no matter what their condition or manufacturer. As part of the deal, customers will receive money off a new Testo 350 or Testo 340. The Testo 350 is an industrial
emissions and combustion analyser, capable of measuring up to six gases simultaneously from a wide selection. The Testo 340 is a smaller, more economical instrument, capable of measuring up to four gases simultaneously. Ashtead Technology’s Josh
Thomas said: “This is a great opportunity to save money on a
The QE11 Conference Centre in London will play host to the NIDays conference, on 29th November, helping scientists and engineers solve some of their toughest challenges. The learning environment will offer hands-on sessions, previews of the latest technologies, technical demonstrations and keynotes from industry leaders and NI experts. This year, three important themes
brand new instrument; there are more sensor options and thanks to a patented automatic dilution function, it is now possible to measure high gas concentrations, with easier application-specific menus and data export via Bluetooth, USB or the Testo Printer.” The ‘Dead or Alive’ analyser offer
is open until the end of 2016.
www.ashtead-technology.com
FIRST REEL LIFTER RANGE IS ROLLED OUT
After conducting research and talking to its customers about their requirements to lift reels from and to their presses, DS Engineering have developed and manufactured The Reelboy. The first of DS Engineering’s reel lifter range to be rolled out is ‘The Reelboy’, which is small and agile, making it the perfect manual reel lifter. Unlike the standard wire rope
winch used, The Reelboy uses a strap winch, meaning no fraying of wires which can then lead to snapping suddenly. The lifting strap is enclosed within the main mast of The Reelboy to avoid it being caught and damaged.
The Reelboy is designed to lift reels of up to 150kg, with a maximum lift height of 1000mm. It is easily manoeuvred having
castor wheels with individual locking at the rear and industrial wheels at the front, the front forks are designed to fit under a euro pallet to enable the lifting arm to be inserted into your reel reducing the need for manually lifting/moving your heavy and large reels. Although being small and light,
dimensions are 1340(h) x 580(w) x 900(l)mm, and the total weight is only 38kg, The Reelboy is still a robust piece of equipment ideal for printers large or small.
www.dse.uk.com
will be covered: Impacting today’s business; We are accelerating discovery in engineering education and research. Are you keeping up?; and Engineering education and the path of discovery.
www.ni.com/nidays
RS Components has launched a new website, Connected Thinking – a hub of information, advice and best practice providing organisations with inspiration and practical insight on the topic of MRO (Maintenance Repair and Operations) procurement. Connected Thinking will feature
sector and RS experts, experts from professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Chain (CIPS) and Cranfield School of Management, plus customer testimonials highlighting the benefits of supplier collaboration and effective procurement. It will plug the current gap in the industry for MRO specific content presented in a fresh, engaging and professional way. Klaus Goeldenbot, president of RS
Industrial, said: We want to help drive procurement efficiency for business. The content that we are producing is aimed at the procurement professional, providing insight on leadership, collaboration and strategy on MRO, business, industry and procurement topics.”
www.rs-online.com PROCESS & CONTROL | NOVEMBER 2016 5
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