Manufacturing
In the UK, manufacturing output accounts for about 20% of the national economy, generating more than £150bn a year. More than four million people are employed within the sector, representing roughly 14% of everyone working in the UK. A further 2.4 million jobs in the UK services industry depend upon manufacturing, says the CBI.
Manufacturers also provide 60% of the UK's exports - a sizeable contribution for a country that is heavily involved in international trade.
The Scottish manufacturing base is reasonably diversified, with key strengths lie in the high technology electronics and specialist textiles. One of the largest manufacturing sectors, particularly for the Scottish economy, is the production of food and drink.
Electronics
Despite significant competition, Scotland continues to act as a global player in the electronics sector with a raft of organisations working on product development and high value manufacturing, supporting a large supply chain throughout the country. The number of ‘home-grown’ electronics firms and spinouts from Universities continues to support this sector.
Research by Scottish Enterprise identified more than 1,000 companies involved in designing, developing, and supplying electronic products and/or services are located in Scotland. The supply base is recognised globally for its ability to meet the demands of blue chip companies.
Textiles
The textiles sector plays an important part in Scottish economic life but is often overlooked. However, the direct and indirect contribution of this sector is very positive.
The textiles industry is the 7th largest manufacturer in Scotland, accounting for 6.3 per cent of Scottish manufacturing jobs. Some 3 per cent of all Scottish manufactured exports are textiles and relatively speaking creates more value than any other manufacturing sector in Scotland. (Scottish Enterprise)
In addition to the normal use of textiles in weaving, knitwear and other clothing there is an increasing emergence of technical textiles. This is the industry's fastest growing sector and Scotland is well placed in this rapidly developing market. Technical textile products are used a variety of sectors including healthcare, automotive, offshore oil and gas, marine industries, electronics, forestry, fishing, agriculture and construction.
Food & Drink
Scotland is renowned throughout the world for the quality of its food and drink. This includes malt whisky, cheese salmon and beef. With a unique brand and a multitude of exceptional products, it can be no surprise that companies in this sector employ 48,000 people, generating sales of over £7b.
At Biggart Baillie we’re committed to being there for our clients and taking their business personally – whatever their part of the manufacturing sector. We are working with a range of clients, both large and small, from all parts of country. Whatever our clients require, we’re always on hand to provide the right advice and support at the right time.
Contacts for Manufacturing