When it comes to production planning, there are many factors that influence the overall production plan. Using the growth of the UK bicycle industry as an example, Sam Phipps, explores what challenges manufacturers should prioritise in order to exploit growth and get ahead of the pack.
Bicycle production in the UK has undergone a resurgence in recent years. Since 2007, output has more than doubled and in the last year alone, exports have increased by an impressive 13%. However, UK-based manufacturers have a lot of work to do before they can compete with the Far Eastern powerhouses that dominate the industry. So how can British brands break away from the competition to exploit the accelerating growth in the market?
Boosted by the current buoyant market conditions, all of the major bicycle brands have recently announced plans to achieve substantial growth over the next few years. However, while the current weak pound may have helped manufacturers to increase both output and exports, the good times can not last forever. With Brexit looming, businesses must take steps now to ensure their operation are able to attack the growth opportunities that lie ahead.