Hot on the heels of some encouraging manufacturing statistics from the CBI last month, I can report further hard evidence that, despite the best efforts of anti-Brexit doom-mongers to convince us otherwise, British manufacturers are alive and kicking. Approximately 200 exhibitors – the majority representing the clothing, textile and homewares sectors – turned out to attend a 2-day ‘Meet the Manufacturer’ event at ‘The Old Truman Brewery’ in East London on May 24 and 25. You had to be there to experience the buzz. I thoroughly recommend the experience to anyone who doubts the enthusiasm and optimism of our manufacturers.
Of course, the Old Truman Brewery no longer operates as such. But then very little manufacturing takes place these days just a stone’s throw from the heart of the City of London, much of it having been given over to the service industries. But perhaps most telling was the fact that there didn’t appear to be a banker in sight – time was, when such an event was taking place, bankers would be everywhere. Not one of the major banks had a stand there to fly the flag – that was left to the likes of organisations such as ‘Make it British’. What a sad indictment.
But perhaps that says it all. Against the odds, our manufacturers are stepping up to the plate to make the most of a post-Brexit Britain and, if they are to succeed in their efforts, they will need finance to lubricate the wheels, encourage growth and improve productivity. Interest rates are at record lows, funds are available and accessible. Small businesses just need the confidence and support to reach out and grasp the opportunities. They will find a warm welcome waiting for them from P2P lenders like ArchOver.