DEMAND for goods manufactured in Britain strengthened in the three months to February, according to a a new study.
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published its latest Industrial Trends Survey.
This survey of 471 firms found that total orders reached a two-year high, with the strengthening in demand led by the mechanical engineering and metal products sectors. Export orders remained stable and above the long-run average.
Output growth remained strong in the three months to February and is expected to increase at a faster pace over the coming quarter.
Firms also expect prices to rise over the next three month.
Rain Newton-Smith, CBI chief economist, said: “Stronger demand and production is good news for UK manufacturers, though the weaker pound continues to push up input costs and this is now feeding through to output price inflation expectations."
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