Buoyant demand for strong British brands in emerging markets is behind a surge in UK manufacturing jobs, according to Staffline’s chairman and CEO, Andy Hogarth.

Hogarth’s comments follow the seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS UK Manufacturing PMI posting of 61.5 in February, unchanged from January’s series record high. Jobs growth in the sector reached a record high rate in the month with increased staffing levels reflecting higher production and rising new order books.

Hogarth told Recruiter thatskilled engineers in particular are in demand right now: “Exports to mainland Europe have been strong but some of our iconic products are doing well worldwide. For example, LandRover is doing well overseas, along with some of our fashion brands. China is a huge growth market, with the US being fairly strong and the Middle East is extremely strong.

“Where consumers have money to spend, particularly demand from China, they are buying whiskey, wines — things that are seen as aspirational.

“The cheap pound has a big impact on the level of confidence, so exporting manufacturers are doing well. In the automotive sector in the UK, a lot of what’s made here goes abroad. Even though consumer confidence in the UK is not that strong, jobs are being created here.

“So long as there isn’t a second recession, we should do well in the UK. We have an edge with strong brands and products.”

This week Staffline posted profits of £7m for the year ended 31 December 2010, compared to £3.5m in 2009.