50% of establishments report increases in sales over the last year and approximately 66% forecast increases in the future. 39% of manufacturers and wholesalers are involved in export, which is slightly higher than the national average of 36%. 43% of establishments in the region source from overseas, but only 10% who do not currently source from overseas expects to do so in the future.

41% of the textile manufactures serve a technical textile market, which is significantly higher than the national average.

26% of establishments arrange or fund training and 9% are linked to a formal qualification. Induction and health and safety training are most commonly provided by organisations. There is a reliance on in-house training. There is a lack of time and a lack of funds for training.

Only 4% of organisations are owned or part-owned by a member of an ethnic minority group, which is the lowest incidence in the UK with the exception of Wales.

One fifth of establishments in the South West report skills gaps, which is twice the national average. Vacancies and skills shortage vacancies are mostly reported in operative jobs than for any other occupational group. Operative skill shortages are mainly for sewing machinists and textile machine operators, whilst manufactures report shortages of sales staff.

The sector anticipates major difficulties in replacing staff as they retire in the next few years.

Future challenges facing the sector in the future:

• improving quality of service
• attracting new customers
• improving quality of products
• reducing overall costs

Source: Regional report – South West 2004