Manufacturers in the UK are optimistic about the next three months due to higher levels of demand in the UK and abroad, according to new figures.
The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) latest Industrial Trends Survey has found that just under a third (32 per cent) of manufacturers surveyed said they expected an increase in output over the first quarter of 2010.
Only 19 per cent predicted that output levels will fall over this period, bringing the overall balance to levels at the start of the year.
More than a quarter (27 per cent) of firms reported stronger-than-average order books this month.
This is in comparison to 31 per cent claiming that order books were less full, with the resultant balance of minus three per cent being the highest since before the recession.
However, if foreign demand is only taken into account, there was a positive balance of four per cent.
Commenting on the figures, chief economic advisor Ian McCafferty said that manufacturers should not become complancent.
"The past sharp depreciation of Sterling should continue to underpin demand for UK exports into 2011. However, with oil and other commodity prices rising, cost pressures will remain a concern," he added.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the process systems, process engineering and manufacturing processes industry includes; heavy duty conveyors-industrial conveyors – belt conveyors
