The S&P Global flash UK PMI for October 2026, published on 23 October, shows UK factory output growing at its fastest pace in just over two years, but input costs are climbing sharply and suppliers are taking longer to deliver. Here’s what the numbers say and what they mean if you buy or make steel parts.
What the October flash PMI found
The flash survey is an early reading, based on data collected between 12 and 21 October. The headline figures:
- Manufacturing output: 53.1 (September 51.5), a 25-month high. Any reading above 50 means growth.
- Flash UK Manufacturing PMI: 52.8 (September 51.9), a five-month high.
- Whole economy (composite) output: 53.1 (September 52.0), the highest since February.
S&P Global says new work across the private sector rose at the sharpest pace for 25 months. But there were warning signs for manufacturers too:
- Costs are rising fast. Input cost inflation was the sharpest since June, driven by manufacturing, where firms pointed to higher energy, raw material and transport costs.
- Deliveries are slowing. Supplier delivery times lengthened the most since May, with widespread reports of longer international shipping times and supply chain disruption.
- Stocks are running down. Manufacturers’ stocks of purchases fell for the fifth month running, and factory headcount dipped slightly.
Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the UK economy “has picked up momentum in October”, but warned that “price pressures remain worryingly elevated”. Final October manufacturing data are due on 2 November.
What it means for UK manufacturers and steel part buyers
More orders, rising costs, thinner stock and slower imports is a tricky mix. A few practical points:
- Shorten your supply chain. When international shipping is slow, a UK subcontractor down the road can be the quicker, more predictable option for cut and folded parts.
- Don’t let thin stock stop the line. If you’re running stock down, fast quotes and quick turnaround help you top up only what you need, when you need it.
- Get prices early. With input costs rising, it pays to get quotes in early and plan batches around them.
- Buy in capacity rather than hiring. Factory headcount is still flat to falling, so outsourcing laser cutting and press braking can let your own team focus on assembly and finishing.
UK-made in Shaw, Oldham
At Kaizen Engineering we laser cut, fold on our press brake and fabricate made-to-order steel parts at our works in Shaw, Oldham. We offer same-day quotes and same-day laser cutting, whether you need a one-off, a short batch or regular repeat work. Find out more about our laser cutting, press braking and steel fabrication services.
Send us your drawing
Email your drawing to sales@kaizen-eng.com with the material, thickness and quantity, and we’ll come back with a quote the same day.
Kaizen Engineering, Thomas Street, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8PG
Made Up North. Built to Last.
Sources
- S&P Global, “S&P Global Flash UK PMI” news release, October 2026 (embargoed until 09:30 BST, 23 October 2026): pmi.spglobal.com
