Manufacturing Momentum, Growing SME Manufacturing in Wales

The Welsh manufacturing sector, mainly made up of small and medium businesses (SMEs), is facing challenges in a rapidly changing environment. This report by FSB Wales highlights the need for a two-pronged approach to support these SMEs.

The Welsh manufacturing sector has undergone significant change over the last decade, with new technologies, the further expansion of the circular economy, and a fast-changing competitive environment only a few of the things reshaping the landscape. The majority of Welsh manufacturing businesses are micro, small, or medium[1]sized enterprises (SMEs) which face particular issues concerning supply chains, training and skills, innovation, finance, infrastructure, and sustainability. With this in mind, Federation of Small Businesses Wales sought to gain a better understanding of the challenges facing SMEs in the Welsh manufacturing sector and commissioned research in this area.