UK Manufacturing Trends Report 2026
Discover the trends shaping discrete manufacturing in 2026
Our new UK Manufacturing Trends Report 2026 lifts the lid on what is driving change in the sector in 2026. Our survey of SMB manufacturers revealed high levels of optimism – with many already moving towards digital maturity and AI adoption. They recognise the importance of analytics dashboards in making better decisions, and upskilling their workforce. There are still barriers to technological change – including lack of time and digital skills – but overcoming these is both necessary for a competitive advantage and achievable.
What’s inside?
- How are manufacturers navigating new and ongoing challenges – like productivity, skills shortages and sustainability requirements?
- 93% of SMB manufacturers say AI is critical to staying competitive over the next three years – but which areas are they prioritising?
- What are the top training and upskilling methods today?
“FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO MOVE FORWARD IN 2026”
Trends that guide your decisions
The UK Manufacturing Trends Report 2026 report is based on research, practical experience, and discussions with manufacturing companies. It highlights the developments that will be decisive in the coming years and where organizations are focusing their attention.
In the report, you will read about:
- How manufacturing companies are dealing with a structurally tight labor market
- Which choices are being made to keep costs and margins under control
- How digitalization is being used to better support processes
- How collaboration within the supply chain is evolving
- Why alignment between departments is becoming increasingly important
These trends show that many companies are already taking action—often step by step and in a way that suits their own situation.
Who this report is for
This report is aimed at:
- SME manufacturing companies
- Technical organizations with customized solutions and product variation
- Production environments that want to keep improving
- Decision‑makers who want to support their choices with insights from the sector
Whether you are in the midst of change or want to prevent issues from piling up, this report gives you a realistic picture of what is happening in the manufacturing industry.
Would you like to know which trends will be decisive in 2026 and how manufacturing companies are responding?
FAQ
Is it really free?
YES! Our goal is to help all small- to medium-sized businesses flourish. We hope you will return to us as your industry expert!
Why do I need to provide my information?
Along with this report, we provide our customers with tailored industry news. Enjoy newsletters, assets, and blogs delivered right to your inbox.
Is the report relevant if my company is not yet advanced in digitalization?
It is valuable for that very reason. The trends show that many companies take a step-by-step approach. The report provides guidance to help determine which choices in technology and process improvement should take priority now to remain agile heading into 2026.
Which themes are covered in detail?
The report focuses on the synergy between people, processes, and technology. Specific themes include strategies for the tight labor market, maintaining manageable margins despite rising costs, the role of digitalization on the shop floor, and the shift toward closer supply chain collaboration.
What data are the trends in this report based on?
The insights are based on a recent study of more than 300 manufacturing companies. Additionally, we utilized in-depth interviews with industry experts and practical experiences from the daily operations of technical organizations. This ensures a realistic representation of the current market.
How can I translate these trends to my own business situation?
While the report provides a broad overview of the sector, every organization is unique. If you would like to know how to apply these trends specifically to your processes, you can request a personal demo here. During this demo, we will show you how our solutions can help your company gain control over the challenges of 2026.