A New Peak for British Industry: Training the Workforce Behind the 17-Month High
The UK manufacturing sector has officially turned a corner.
As we enter the second month of 2026, the latest industry data reveals that factory activity is expanding at its fastest rate in nearly a year and a half. For Temple Management Training, this isn't just a headline, it’s a call to action to ensure British businesses have the skills to sustain this momentum.
A New Dawn for 'Made in Britain'
The January S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI has climbed to 51.8, signalling the strongest growth the sector has seen since 2024. Most encouragingly, export orders have surged for the first time in four years, with British goods flowing back into Europe, the US, and China.
At Temple, we recognise that with increased orders comes increased pressure. As manufacturers ramp up production to meet this "positive bounce-back" in demand, the need for robust management systems and a highly skilled workforce has never been more critical.
Bridging the Skills Gap: Our 2026 Commitment
While output is rising, the industry faces a complex labor market. Data shows that while large firms are hiring, many SMEs are still navigating the high costs of employment. This is where Temple Management Training steps in—transforming these challenges into opportunities through three specialist pillars:
1. Strategic Apprenticeships:
With the government’s 2026 skills reforms in full effect, we are helping firms leverage the Growth and Skills Levy. Our apprenticeships, such as the Level 4 Quality Practitioner, allow businesses to "upskill from within," creating a pipeline of talent that understands your specific shop-floor culture while bringing in fresh, certified expertise.
2. Industry-Leading Training: As global demand returns, so does the scrutiny on quality. We provide world-class, accredited training through the CQI & IRCA and CILT (UK). From ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor courses to Lean Six Sigma, we give your team the tools to eliminate waste and maximise the efficiency of every new order.
3. Certification & Compliance Services: Exporting to new markets requires meeting international standards. We specialise in helping British manufacturers achieve and maintain ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) certifications. We ensure your systems are resilient enough to handle geopolitical shifts and the upcoming 2027 carbon border taxes.
Why Quality is the Best Export
The recent surge in export demand highlights a simple truth: the world wants what Britain builds. However, as noted by industry experts, rising commodity prices and energy costs mean margins are tighter than ever.
"Efficiency is no longer optional; it is the difference between growth and stagnation," says the Temple leadership team. "By focusing on 'Right First Time' methodologies, we help manufacturers protect their bottom line against rising input costs."
Investing in the Future of the Factory Floor
From our base in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, we see the resilience of British manufacturing every day. Whether it's the potential for new EV production facilities or the digital transformation of traditional workshops, the "light at the end of the tunnel" is getting brighter.
We are proud to support the backbone of the UK economy. By providing the training, apprenticeships, and certification services that the modern era demands, Temple QMS is ensuring that the "Made in Britain" label remains synonymous with world-leading quality.
Contact us today for support with your future plans.