Rising energy costs are major concern for UK manufacturers

Rising energy costs are of a greater concern to manufacturers than labour costs, falling consumer spend and the administrative burden of regulation, according to a new survey by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). IMechE president John Wood said the UK is showing clear international leadership by moving forward with its transition to a low carbon economy, and this is going to mean higher energy costs for everybody.

20/05/2011 15:49:26

“But manufacturers are worried, and Government needs to make sure it doesn’t force energy intensive industries out of the UK and into countries with more lax climate change targets," he warns. "This is of benefit to neither the UK economy nor the environment. The government needs to move forward quickly with its promises to mitigate the effect of ambitious climate change targets on energy intensive industries in the UK.”

Of the 1,000 manufacturers polled 60% said that increasing energy costs were of “high concern” to their business, while 52.4% said the same about increasing cost of supplies and components, 43.2% on administrative burden or regulation and 35% said rising labour costs. Falling consumer spend was of high concern to 30.9% of manufacturers, while exchange rates just 29.1%.