CBI confirms firm growth in manufacturing

The CBI said this strength was broad-based, with above average results in 14 out of the 17 sectors. The food and drink sector was particularly robust, reporting its fullest order books in just under four years. Export order books rallied to a level well above the long run average, driven by particularly strong results from the mechanical engineering, electronics and motor vehicle industries. The survey of 514 manufacturers found output volumes also continued to rise at a similarly solid pace to that seen in the past three months, with expectations of stronger growth for the coming quarter. Katja Hall (pictured), CBI deputy director-general, said: "Demand for British made goods remains buoyant and that's helped drive this quarter's further rise in output. "Growth is broad-based, with the recovery spreading its roots, and firms have high hopes for the coming quarter. However, the recent rise in Sterling could impact on the resilient export orders we've seen lately. "As a result, now is the right time to capitalise on boosting manufacturing further by taking action to strengthen the UK's supply chains across industry. This will help unlock further growth and increase exports." Just over a third (34%) of firms reported that total order books were above normal and 23% said they were below normal, giving a balance of +11%. This was the highest balance since the 18-year high reached in December 2013 (+12%), and well above the long-run average (-16%). Two fifths (39%) of firms said the volume of output over the last three months was up and 22% said it was down, giving a balance of +17%. This was broadly similar to the balance prevailing for the last three months (+15%), and significantly above the long-run average (+2%). Firms expect output to grow faster in the coming quarter, with 44% predicting growth, and 12% a decline, giving an overall balance of +32%. This is unchanged since April and a long way above the long-run average (+7%). Almost a quarter (23%) of firms said their export order books were above normal and 25% said they were below normal, giving a rounded balance of -2%, above the long-run average of -20%.