Martin Ford, Managing Director, Gateway Electronic Components
British manufacturing continues to be innovative, entrepreneurial, and at the leading edge of technology and it is clear that the equilibrium between manufacturing in the UK and low cost manufacturing zones overseas is changing. There is evidence of improving prospects for UK OEMs and CEMs and that will be good for the companies in their supply chains. However, the global economic picture is far from rosy and the uncertainty across Europe is not good for confidence; and it is confidence that will be the catalyst for a change of fortunes.
What happens in the global economy is however, largely outside of our control. Those things that we can control will be done as ever with prudence, thrift and a certain amount of abstinence, setting realistic objectives internally and working with our franchise partners and customers that seek the service differentiators that we offer giving us confidence for the coming 12 months.