UK manufacturers upbeat despite tough quarter – CBI

Lobby group's survey for three months to April found strongest performance since last July, but outlook remains challenging

Britain's manufacturers managed to nudge up their production in the past three months and they are optimistic that domestic and overseas demand will improve, according to an industry survey.

The business lobby group CBI said its quarterly survey of factory bosses found that more reported a rise in output than a fall in the three months to April, marking the strongest performance since last July for the sector. But while the 472 manufacturers surveyed were upbeat about future demand, the past three months had been tough, with export orders falling again.