The UK’s smaller manufacturers are planning to boost investment in the coming year, according to the CBI’s latest SME Trends Survey.
The survey of 335 small and medium-sized manufacturers revealed that total orders and the volume of output increased by 37 per cent in the three months to January.
Domestic orders also rose to 34 per cent, while export orders fell 30 per cent.
More encouragingly, in the coming quarter domestic and export orders are both expected to grow more strongly and production is set to rise again.
Firms increased headcount modestly, while optimism about the business situation improved for the third consecutive quarter. Meanwhile, planned investment spending on buildings for the year ahead rose to record levels and that on plant and machinery strengthened further.
Stephen Gifford, CBI director of economics, said: “It’s encouraging to see smaller manufacturers planning to boost investment, particularly in their plant, machinery and buildings.
“Orders and output continued to grow at a healthy pace, although not as fast as predicted. However, firms remain optimistic about prospects, with growth in orders and production expected to accelerate.”
