What is the current state of the sheet metal industry?

As of October 2024, the UK sheet metal industry is generally facing a challenging landscape.

Several factors are contributing to this:

• Economic Uncertainty: The UK economy has been grappling with various challenges, including post-Brexit adjustments, inflation, and potential recession risks. This uncertainty can impact businesses' investment decisions and demand for sheet metal products. ?
• Rising Costs: Increased energy prices, material costs, and labor expenses have put pressure on margins for many sheet metal companies. These rising costs can make it difficult to maintain profitability. ?
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Ongoing supply chain issues, both globally and domestically, can affect the availability of materials and components, leading to production delays and increased costs. ?
• Competition: The UK sheet metal industry faces competition from both domestic and international sources, which can intensify price pressure.

However, it's important to note that the situation can vary depending on specific sectors and regions within the UK. Some companies may be better positioned to weather these challenges due to factors such as product diversification, strong customer relationships, or efficient operations.

To get a more accurate and up-to-date assessment, we recommend checking recent industry reports or news articles from organisations like:

• British Metalworking and Fabrication Association (BMF): https://www.bmf.org.uk/
• Sheet Metal Industries (SMI): https://sheetmetalindustries.com/

These sources can provide more detailed information on the current state of the UK sheet metal industry, including trends, challenges, and opportunities.