Enginuity have produced this report as part of our mission to help employers in the manufacturing and engineering sectors to close the skills gap. Released in July 2025, our report captures insight from 135 manufacturing and engineering micro and small and medium enterprises (SMEs)  from across the UK, who represent 6,500 employees and £1.1 billion pounds worth of sales.

We hope this snapshot supports policymakers, industry bodies, and investors to better understand not just the pressures SMEs face – but how to support the role they play in driving the UK’s next chapter of growth.