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Continuing uncertainty ''affecting UK manufacturing confidence''

7 February 2012
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Continuing uncertainty ''affecting UK manufacturing confidence''Optimism among the UK's small and medium-sized manufacturers is being affected by global economic uncertainty, it has been claimed.

According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), firms in the industry are concerned about the political climate as well, causing a decline in sentiment for the third quarter in a row.

The organisation's most recent SME Trends Survey showed that over the three months to January, both domestic and export orders dropped sharply and output showed little change, the first time it has not increased since April 2010.

Manufacturing management professionals are advised that 33 per cent of businesses predicted the current economic and political climate, including the ongoing eurozone crisis, will have a dampening effect on export orders over the next quarter.

"While figures for the next three months point to some stabilisation, the manufacturing sector is still facing significant headwinds, which can only add to existing uncertainty over demand and growth," declared chair of the CBI's SME Council Lucy Armstrong.

However, there are some signs of improvement in the UK manufacturing sector as the Markit and CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index for January climbed from 49.7 in December to 52.1, indicating the expansion of activity in the industry over the month.ADNFCR-3058-ID-801286065-ADNFCR
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