UK factory orders hit four-year high

Survey reveals manufacturing growth rebounding with surge in orders across the sector in November despite Brexit concerns

Britain's factories are enjoying the best business conditions for more than four years as strong demand at home and abroad boosts order books, production and jobs.

Comfortably beating expectations in the City, the monthly health check of industry from the research firm IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply was the most upbeat for the sector since the summer of 2013.