Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

CBI survey reveals strongest growth in UK manufacturing output in 18 years

Survey reveals total order books and output growth highest since 1995.

Graeme Evans
Thursday 21 November 2013 13:22 GMT
Comments
CBI survey of nearly 350 factory bosses found that total order books and output growth were the highest recorded since 1995
CBI survey of nearly 350 factory bosses found that total order books and output growth were the highest recorded since 1995 (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The CBI's survey of nearly 350 factory bosses found that total order books and output growth were the highest recorded since 1995.

Manufacturers also told the business lobby group that they expect growth to continue at a robust pace over the coming three months.

Stephen Gifford, the CBI's director of economics, said: "This new evidence shows encouraging signs of a broadening and deepening recovery in the manufacturing sector.

"Manufacturers finally seem to be feeling the benefit of growing confidence and spending within the UK and globally."

The key finding of the survey showed that a positive balance of 11% of firms believed order books were above normal in November, helped by signs of a continued recovery among exporters.

The rise in output growth was broad-based, with all but one of 15 sub-sectors - electrical engineering - reporting growth.

Despite the progress, Mr Gifford said challenges remain for UK manufacturers.

He added: "UK exporters need Government support to break into high-growth export markets to reduce their vulnerability to any further eurozone flare-ups."

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in