UK manufacturers have recorded their fastest growth in output volumes since last July, a survey has shown, with a reduction in costs arising from lower oil prices cited as a positive for the sector.
The survey, published by the Confederation of British Industry, may come as something of a relief amid a slew of softer economic indicators recently.
Official figures have shown a very sharp slowdown in UK manufacturing growth during the course of last year.
Subtracting the 23 per cent of manufacturers reporting a fall in output volumes in the past three months from the 40 per cent enjoying a rise, a balance of 17 per cent of firms reported an increase.
And a rounded net 25 per cent of manufacturers forecast a rise in output volumes in the coming three months.
A balance of 10 per cent of the 522 manufacturers surveyed between January 27 and February 16 reported that domestic order books were above normal.
While a net eight per cent of manufacturers reported that export order books were below normal, this was the best reading since last August. And the CBI noted this reading was also "well above" the survey average.
CBI economics director Rain Newton-Smith said: "Our manufacturers have more of a spring in their step this month, regaining some of the momentum lost towards the end of last year.
"The drop in oil prices is good news for the manufacturing sector in the UK, bringing with it lower operating costs, but North Sea producers are clearly suffering."
She added: "Export orders picked up significantly, to a level not seen for six months, but uncertainty over prospects in the eurozone will continue to weigh on export demand. So, it is imperative we continue to help manufacturers sell their products and services into high-growth markets around the globe."
Official figures have shown that growth of UK manufacturing output slowed sharply during the course of the last year. UK manufacturing output grew by just 0.1 per cent quarter-on-quarter in the final three months of last year.
This followed growth of 0.3 per cent in the third quarter, and expansion of 0.5 per cent in the three months to June. UK manufacturing output had risen by 1.1 per cent during the first quarter of 2014.
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