1、EXECUTIVE SURVEY 2026Time for mission growth In association with:EXECUTIVE SURVEY 2026 Time for Mission Growth 2CONTENTSForeword 3Executive Summary 4UK Manufacturing:The Facts 5Key Survey Findings 6Part 1:Pressure into Progress-Increased Costs Boost Tech Drive in 2026 7Managing cost rises across the
2、 board 7Choosing expansion over reduction 102025 Autumn Budget:the impact on manufacturers 11Part 2:Overcoming Risk to Unlock Reward 13Manufacturers are doubling down on innovation and digital transformation to drive growth and resilience 15Manufacturers are actively pursuing diversification of prod
3、ucts and sectors,new markets,and tech adoption 17International markets and tariff impacts 17Marketing and customer engagement is a priority again for 2026 when it comes to investment 19Part 3:Its Time for Mission Growth 20About Make UK and PwC UK 223Its encouraging to see manufacturers take a strate
4、gic and more customer-centric approach that focuses on growth despite rising costs.Marketing and product innovation are moving up the agenda as top priorities for 2026.Businesses that prioritise expansion,diversification and investments in technology,will be better placed to offset risks,build resil
5、ience and set themselves up for long-term success.In fact,despite economic uncertainty,nearly two-thirds of manufacturers(65%)believe opportunities to succeed in 2026 outweigh the risks.Building on last years results,manufacturers are investing in digital transformation,with a heightened focus on ne
6、w product development and digital technologies,AI and automation.By combining market insight with engineering expertise,manufacturers can design products that meet real customer needs and deliver commercial impact.This offers an exciting opportunity,but to capitalise further,businesses must become m