Manufacturing in the South East UK is holding firm.
What is the South East UK's Manufacturing Outlook in 2025? Every year, Make UK and BDO’s Regional Manufacturing Outlook is a crucial publication highlighting the current performance, confidence in, and the future direction of the UK's Manufacturing sector across all the UK regions. At Senex Recruitment, we specialise in Science, Engineering, and Manufacturing across the South East of the UK. So in our latest blog, we’re taking a closer look at the regional figures from the latest report—pulling out the key takeaways that matter most to manufacturers, business leaders, employees, and job seekers working in this vital part of the economy.
With US tariffs, Brexit-related export restrictions and regulatory changes, a tightening job market, shifting immigration policies since the end of free movement, and the ongoing strain of inflation and rising living costs, the list of pressures facing the manufacturing sector feels endless. Yet, despite these headwinds, the report delivers a surprisingly optimistic outlook. In fact, manufacturing in the South East of the UK remains buoyant.
So, what does the 2025 report reveal about the South East UK's Manufacturing?
The South East UK Manufacturing Sector: High Productivity, High Potential
The South East and London region remains the UK’s most productive and economically significant area, accounting for a staggering 37.8% of national output. While the service sector dominates, manufacturing still plays a vital role — with 419,000 people employed across the sector, and employment growing by 3,000 in the past year.
Despite making up just 4% of the South East's total output, the region’s manufacturing sector punches above its weight when it comes to exports (21% of the UK’s total) and investment intentions.
As the UK looks to increase growth, manufacturing will represent a key area. Growing export sales provide revenues and profits for businesses which can then feed through to an increase in capital investment, job creation, investment and ultimately a diverse and resilient national economy.
The close proximate to the European market and international trade routes (with world leading airports and ports) makes the South East an exciting region for manufacturers and talent alike to take advantage of this.
Sector Focus: Where the Jobs and Growth Are
The top three manufacturing subsectors in the South East are:
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Food & Drink (20.1%)
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Electronics (13.2%)
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Pharmaceuticals (9.6%)
These industries not only lead the region's output, they also show greater stability and resilience. The Food & Drink sector, in particular, has helped shield the South East from volatility seen in other regions due to its steady demand.
If you're hiring or job-hunting in electronics engineering, pharma manufacturing, or food production, these figures confirm what we at Senex Recruitment see every day — strong demand, investment, and opportunity in these areas. It is also worth noting that food and pharmaceuticals remain two of the more recession proof sectors. However Pharmaceuticals has seen a globalisation trend towards manufacturing in last twenty years.
It is also worth noting that recruiting in the Electronics and Embedded Firmware sectors has become increasingly difficult. Underlying the need for a robust apprenticeship and higher education plan for the technical training sector. The demand for electronics will only increase whether it is in the military or commercial sector in the next decade.
Orders and Output: Holding Strong
While some UK regions have seen erratic swings in manufacturing activity, the South East has held relatively steady. The region:
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Outperformed the UK average for output (+15% vs national +12%)
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Showed stronger than average order growth (+12% vs national +9%)
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Saw particularly strong order performance in the first half of the year
This consistent performance builds confidence — and rightly so. Businesses in the South East are seeing a healthier flow of work, and that means more stability for employees and greater predictability for those planning to expand or hire.
Investment Intentions: A Standout Statistic
Perhaps the most striking figure in the report is this:
+25% investment intentions in the South East, more than double the national average of +12%.
This is a major vote of confidence in the region’s future. It suggests that manufacturers here are not just weathering the current climate — they're actively planning for growth, innovation, and resilience.
For companies: it means opportunities to modernise, improve efficiency, and expand capabilities.
For candidates: it signals future demand for technical talent, especially in areas like automation, production engineering, and quality assurance.
Senex Recruitment has certainly seen an increase in the demand for Manufacturing Engineer and Process Improvement roles as companies move towards embracing Industry 4.0 and robotics. Many manufacturing companies have started the process of increasing profitability with smart investment in processes and capital equipment. You can find an example of such a role on our job board based in Snodland, Kent for a Lead Production Engineer job which we are currently recruiting for.
Confidence and Employment: A Mixed Picture
While investment is strong, the employment outlook is flatter:
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Regional employment balance is +2% (slightly below UK average of +4%)
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Yet, business confidence is the highest in the UK, scoring 7.2 out of 10
This might seem contradictory, but it suggests employers are cautious about headcount in the short term — likely due to tight labour markets or cost pressures — but still optimistic about their long-term prospects.
At Senex Recruitment, we’re seeing this trend reflected on the ground: firms are hiring, but selectively — looking for specialists who can drive value, efficiency, and innovation.
What This Means for You
If you’re a business in the South East:
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Now is a smart time to attract top talent while confidence and investment levels are high.
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Review your hiring plans to ensure you have the right skills in place to support future investment.
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Consider partnering with recruitment specialists who understand the South East manufacturing market — like Senex Recruitment.
If you’re a job seeker:
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Roles in Food & Drink, Electronics, and Pharma offer excellent long-term prospects.
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Employers are seeking skilled individuals who can support process improvements, new technology adoption, and are focussed on continuous improvements. The ability to respond to change in an agile way is fundamental to success in manufacturing at the moment.
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The South East is a stable, opportunity-rich region — it’s a good time to make your move.
In Summary
The 2025 Make UK/BDO report confirms what we at Senex Recruitment already believe:
The South East manufacturing sector is stable, confident, and can continue to grow. Hopefully at an extended rate in the next decade.
With investment increasing and confidence high, the region is positioning itself for a strong year ahead — and that spells opportunity for both businesses and individuals who want to be part of that story.
If you’re looking to hire, expand, or find your next manufacturing role, talk to the team at Senex Recruitment — your local experts in Science, Engineering, and Manufacturing talent across the South East.