A rise in manufacturing output has been welcomed in Coventry and Warwickshire but business leaders say even more has to be done to rebalance the economy.
Manufacturing output rose by 1.2 per cent between August and September and there was only a modest 0.1 per cent jump compared with the same time last year.
Louise Bennett, the chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said that the city and the county had made great strides in enhancing its manufacturing and engineering base but more work needed to be done.
She said: “We knew, after the recession, that there had to be a strong focus on growing our manufacturing and engineering sector but we also knew that rebalancing wouldn’t happen overnight.
“You only have to look around the region to see that excellent progress has been made and the success of everyone from the likes of Jaguar Land Rover to smaller, niche manufacturers bodes extremely well.
“These figures reflect the national picture and show that the economy is moving forward when it comes to manufacturing and engineering but now is the time to redouble our efforts.
“The Chamber’s Manufacturing and Engineering Network here in Coventry and Warwickshire brought together leading organisations such as MAS, EEF, UKTI and the LEP to make sure companies of all sizes can access support and guidance.
“That network meet regularly and continue to provide regular masterclasses and manufacturers and engineering companies in our region are welcome to join us to find out more about all the support that is out there, whether it’s trading overseas, skills, accessing finance, assistance in expanding – or any other help that is required – this group has such a diverse range of expertise, it is the perfect place to begin.”