Signs of revival in UK manufacturing

A
new survey has shown that the UK manufacturing sector grew strongly in the
first quarter of 2004.

The
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the component measuring confidence in
the sector – created by subtracting the percentage of companies reporting decreases
from the percentage reporting increases – rose from 48 in the final quarter of
last year to 50.

It
also said employment rose to its highest level for six years.

The
BCC findings, which covers more than 6,000 companies, mirrors those from other
manufacturing surveys, including the CBI and manufacturer’s organisation the
EEF.

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However,
the Office for National Statistics latest survey said the sector shrank by 0.6
per cent in February, and by 0.3 per cent in the preceding three months.

By Mike Berry