Konica Minolta survey finds UK manufacturers are concerned about rising costs and digital gaps

The research, conducted earlier this year, paints a picture of a sector striving for growth but grappling with significant challenges. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) expect employment costs to rise sharply in the coming year, while half anticipate an increase in energy costs. At the same time, 27% of manufacturers cited workforce issues and employment costs as their most pressing concern - highlighting the urgent need for cost-effective operational strategies.

Despite these pressures, many manufacturers remain ambitious. A quarter of respondents are planning to scale production by 21–30% over the next 12 months. However, this growth is tempered by low levels of automation, with 45% reporting that fewer than 10% of their processes are currently automated. This suggests a significant opportunity for digital transformation to drive efficiency and productivity.

Data security and infrastructure also emerged as key concerns. The survey found that 41% of businesses still store the majority (61–80%) of their data on-premise, exposing this invaluable information to risks such as fire, damage, or data loss if not properly backed up or migrated to secure cloud environments. Meanwhile, health and safety remain a critical focus, with nearly one-third of respondents (32%) reporting between one and five incidents of non-compliance in the past year.

When asked about their top business goals for the year ahead, 29% of manufacturers prioritised profitability and financial stability, closely followed by growth and expansion (21%) and business continuity (21%).

In response to these findings, Konica Minolta is underlining its commitment to supporting UK manufacturers with targeted, scalable technology solutions. Its flexible Outsourcing Services, for instance, help businesses manage rising employment costs by streamlining labour-intensive processes such as document handling, finance, and HR administration - freeing up internal teams to focus on strategic growth.

For manufacturers concerned about data security, Konica Minolta’s Cloud Data Centre Services offer a robust alternative to on-premise storage, ensuring business continuity and compliance through secure, scalable infrastructure. To address health and safety risks, its Intelligent Video Solutions provide real-time monitoring and analytics to help manufacturers proactively manage compliance and workplace safety.

These solutions are part of a broader portfolio that includes AI-powered Intelligent Information Management (IIM), Managed Content Services, Process Automation for key functions like HR and inventory tracking, and Intelligent Video Systems for real-time quality, safety, and security monitoring. These are designed to help manufacturers reduce costs, improve accuracy, and accelerate their digital transformation journey.

Francis Thornhill, Head of Customer and Solutions Marketing at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd commented, "This research confirms what we’re hearing from our customers every day - UK manufacturers are ambitious, but they’re also under pressure. Rising costs, limited automation, and data vulnerabilities are real barriers to growth. At Konica Minolta, we’re committed to helping manufacturers overcome these challenges with practical, scalable technology that delivers immediate value and long-term resilience."

For more information on Konica Minolta visit: www.konicaminolta.co.uk