Manufacturing across Yorkshire and the Humber has been urged to sharpen up the talents and abilities of top management to provide added company strength in the face of increasing competition.

The report, commissioned by Yorkshire Forward and the Engineering Employers' Federation, calls for companies to climb out of 'survival' mode.

Ian Hughes, director of the EEF Yorkshire and Humberside, said: "More than 20 per cent of the entire South Yorkshire workforce, and also as many in West Yorkshire, are employed in manufacturing so it is a basic support of the region's economy.

"Anything we can do to strengthen manufacturing will be of benefit to all who live and work in the region."