A picture emerges of pressure on business margins from rising costs – a trend expected to continue. The backdrop to this squeeze on margins is one of rising input costs and output prices falling due to cheap competing imports from China and other transition economies.
How is this affecting UK Plc? The recent response in the UK is a cause for concern – over half a million workers in manufacturing have lost their jobs in the last five years. Fierce competition looks set to stay, at least for the next 10-15 years. The Tomorrow's World research points to three key areas where resource efficiency may be a means of remaining competitive.
Case in point
White goods manufacturer, Indesit Company, shows that an enlightened approach to resource efficiency can relieve pressure on margins as well as benefit the environment. After an initial cost to improve waste management, the company made savings in the region of
£17 500 per annum. Dave Truss, Environmental Manager at Indesit, sums up the appeal of becoming resource efficient:
"To drive cost out of the business by reducing waste, recycling effectively and disposing more efficiently we help preserve our competitive status."
Click here to read more about Indesit's savings.
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