The CBI reports that it expects production to increase in the first quarter of 2015 because of activity in December.
The latest CBI Industrial Trends survey, which is based on the responses of 485 manufacturers, revealed that output remained above average this month and has been broadly steady since August.
Export order books also reached a four-month high, despite remaining relatively weak, and output in the motor vehicles and transport equipment sector was at its highest in nine months.
“The manufacturing sector is ending 2014 on a more upbeat note, having lost a little momentum earlier in the year,” said CBI director of economics Rain Newton-Smith.
“Export orders have improved, and output is expected to continue growing as we head into the New Year.
