The UK’s manufacturing sector ended last year on a high note, with new research showing a continued return to growth after more than a year of uncertainty. December’s S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.6, up from 50.2 in November – marking the strongest upturn in activity in 15 months.
The latest figures point to a steady recovery across British industry, boosted by stronger domestic demand and easing supply chain pressures. Output rose for the third consecutive month, while new orders increased for the first time since September 2024.
For those working in the measurement, testing and advanced manufacturing sectors, these improvements are encouraging signs of renewed confidence across the wider base of UK industry. Precision, quality and standards remain central as manufacturers ramp up production and respond to fresh demand. The easing of uncertainty around the autumn Budget and the resumption of operations following the Jaguar Land Rover cyber incident have both provided greater clarity for planning and investment.
Although sector employment continues to lag, job losses slowed in December, suggesting that manufacturers may be approaching a turning point. Export orders also showed early signs of stabilisation, with firms reporting improved interest from markets in the US, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. So 2026 begins with some optimism that growth will come, driven not only by backlog clearance but also by genuine increases in demand. For the UK’s measurement and testing community, it’s good news – robust standards, accurate calibration and trusted testing processes will be in higher demand than ever as production scales up and innovation accelerates.
