Export orders up for UK SMEs

In-Depth

Export orders for small and medium sized manufacturers have grown for the first time in over a decade, and are expected to continue rising, according to CBI research published today.

Export orders for small and medium sized (SME) manufacturers have grown for the first time in over a decade, and are expected to continue rising, according to

research published today.

The latest SME Trends Survey also showed that the volume of total new orders, which includes domestic orders, has been growing at its strongest rate for nine years. Medium sized firms are faring particularly well and expect significant increases in orders over the next three months.

Optimism about the general business situation has improved for the first time in over two years, reflecting a feeling of continued recovery after a long period of declining orders.

Output has grown over the past three months, following on from the previous quarter’s recovery, but not by as much as firms had predicted. The outlook remains strong, with firms expecting higher growth in output in the quarter ahead.

However, average unit costs for SMEs have continued to rise sharply, although the rate of growth is expected to ease off over the coming months.

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