THE results of the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) North West’s first quarter research into the problems faced by manufacturers shows a marked change on previous quarters.

About 550 manufacturers from a cross-section of industry in the region were asked about the biggest business issues they face.

Twenty-four per cent (36 per cent previously) noted a lack of sales is hampering their activities and 14 per cent (18 per cent previously) replied they are having cash flow problems.

The third biggest concern, affecting 10 per cent of manufacturers, is trying to enter new markets, whereas the third concern in the last survey was competition from similar businesses in their sector, which has now dropped to just three per cent.

MAS says this supports the findings for an upturn in manufacturing and companies are increasingly broadening their horizons.