A critical juncture for UK manufacturing

According to the report, the United States, historically a top export market, has now fallen to fourth place as a desired growth region for UK manufacturers, for the first time in the survey’s history.

This decline is not anecdotal. Six in 10 UK manufacturers now expect their exports to the US to be impacted by tariffs, with nearly a third reassessing supply chains, and only 4% considering US-based manufacturing as an alternative. That shift, coupled with the £2billion drop in UK exports to the US in April - the largest monthly fall since records began in 1997 - has serious implications for industry-wide confidence and investment.

The cleaning and hygiene sector, which often supplies key consumables and services to manufacturers across food production, pharmaceuticals, and engineering, cannot afford to overlook these trends. Contract volumes, tender opportunities, and new business growth may all face headwinds if manufacturers continue to curb spending, cut investment, or de-prioritise UK-based supply chains.

Employment remains stable for now, but investment intentions are trending down sharply - +2% in Q2, compared to +10% in Q4 2024. With Make UK warning that manufacturing growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have turned negative (-0.2% and -0.5% respectively), the potential knock-on effects across connected sectors - including ours - could be severe.

This is a clear signal that cleaning and hygiene professionals must act now to diversify client portfolios, strengthen value propositions, and engage closely with manufacturers about their evolving needs. Energy efficiency, supply chain resilience, and cost control are likely to become even more dominant themes.

Seamus Nevin, chief economist at Make UK, rightly points to a "gathering storm" of economic pressures, and calls for bold industrial strategy reforms to address crippling energy costs and labour shortages. This is a strong call - especially as our own sector also grapples with similar challenges.

While the cleaning industry may not always be the face of manufacturing headlines, we are deeply woven into its fabric. The health of UK manufacturing is a barometer for much of our sector's demand. It's now important that amid the current uncertainty (short term - or long term), we are part of the solution - offering agile, sustainable, and cost-effective services that help clients weather the storm.

Chris Shaw

Editor

Cleaning Matters