According to a survey from MakeUK, which represents UK manufacturers, 44 per cent said that digitalisation was their best method to make productivity improvements.

The digital tools most commonly cited included data analytics, supply chain management and full automation of business processes including finance, human resources, manufacturing and procurement.

The research also found that manufacturing businesses are investing in digital technologies more than ever before, with almost a quarter (24 per cent) having already made major investments while a further 23 per cent said they planned to do so.

In terms of lowering the carbon footprint of their operations, 62 per cent of those who have adopted digital technologies reported savings in their energy costs. Over half said those savings were between £10,000 and £100,000 in the last 12 months alone. A further 46 per cent said energy savings came in under £10,000 but were still significant to their businesses...