I can safely say that 2025 was a very tough year for us and many UK manufacturers, SMEs felt it the hardest.
As a Yorkshire lass, I’ve got a fire in my belly, a stubborn streak a mile long, and the ability to survive a tough year with tea, wine, and a bit of humour. That fire kept me and our team going through the challenges, and it’s exactly what will carry us into 2026.
Across the sector, it was a year defined by rising costs and an economic climate that often felt uncertain at best. Margins were squeezed, decisions were harder, and there were very few “easy wins.” For many businesses, simply keeping momentum required resilience, adaptability, and no small amount of determination. We felt those pressures first hand. There were moments where plans had to change quickly, priorities had to be reassessed, and progress came through persistence rather than pace. It wasn’t always comfortable, and it certainly wasn’t straightforward — but it was real.
In November 2025 I stepped into my fifth year at Electroparts, my focus remained on driving growth and keeping our team strong. The manufacturing sector is tough, but we stayed focused, kept pushing forward, ready for the next challenges together!
It was a hard year — but it was also a defining one. And as we move into 2026, we do so stronger, wiser, and ready for what’s next.
It’s been important to take the time to acknowledge what we did well, recognise where we can improve, and learn from both. Honest reflection is what allows us to grow stronger and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Now ready for the off in 2026
The first week back set the tone perfectly, with the successful re-certification of ISO 9001. There was never any doubt — our team consistently puts our policies and procedures into practice, and this achievement is a direct reflection of that commitment. It’s something we should all be proud of.
As we look ahead, there is a growing sense of cautious optimism. While the economic climate remains challenging, there are early signs of stabilisation, and with that comes hope — hope that confidence will return, investment will increase, and domestic orders will begin to flow more consistently.
For UK manufacturing and SMEs, a stronger home market is critical. Increased domestic demand doesn’t just support growth; it supports skills, innovation, and long-term sustainability. We’re well positioned to respond when that demand strengthens, with robust systems, proven quality, and a team ready to deliver.
2026 is about building on what we’ve learned, staying agile, and being ready to seize opportunities as they emerge. If the last year taught us anything, it’s that resilience and preparation matter — and we have both.
We’re here for all your Contract Electronic Manufacturing needs, including PCB, Cable & Wiring and Full Box build Assemblies!
