24/11/2003
Manufacturing shows 'encouraging signs', claims CBI
The CBI today reported more "encouraging signs" for manufacturers as domestic and export orders showed some improvement in November.
Publishing its monthly industrial trends survey, the employer's body said order books, which deteriorated sharply in September and October, have now returned to the August level.
Of the 837 firms questioned, 37% reported total orders below normal and 13% above normal. The negative balance of minus 24% compares with minus 40 in October and minus 33 in September.
Capital goods industries - such as mechanical engineering and industrial and agricultural machinery - recorded weakest order books, while consumer goods firms faired comparatively better.
Export order books, although significantly below normal, are at their highest level for nearly a year-and-a-half. Two out of five of firms said export orders were below normal, 13% said they were above. The balance of minus 27% compares with minus 37 in October.
Output is expected to remain broadly unchanged over the next three months, but pricing conditions are expected to be tough over the same period as prices fall more steeply.
Douglas Godden, CBI Head of Economic Analysis, said: "Manufacturers' order books are now a little fuller than earlier in the year, justifying the improvement in sentiment picked up in the October survey. The firmer global recovery is finally beginning to bolster export orders. But conditions facing the manufacturing sector are still tough and are likely to remain so for a good while to come."
The monthly Industrial Trends survey was carried out between 22 October and 7 November 2003 and 837 manufacturers responded. During the period sterling averaged €1.45 (DM2.84) and $1.68 compared with €1.43 (DM2.80) and $1.66 in the October survey.
(gmcg)
Publishing its monthly industrial trends survey, the employer's body said order books, which deteriorated sharply in September and October, have now returned to the August level.
Of the 837 firms questioned, 37% reported total orders below normal and 13% above normal. The negative balance of minus 24% compares with minus 40 in October and minus 33 in September.
Capital goods industries - such as mechanical engineering and industrial and agricultural machinery - recorded weakest order books, while consumer goods firms faired comparatively better.
Export order books, although significantly below normal, are at their highest level for nearly a year-and-a-half. Two out of five of firms said export orders were below normal, 13% said they were above. The balance of minus 27% compares with minus 37 in October.
Output is expected to remain broadly unchanged over the next three months, but pricing conditions are expected to be tough over the same period as prices fall more steeply.
Douglas Godden, CBI Head of Economic Analysis, said: "Manufacturers' order books are now a little fuller than earlier in the year, justifying the improvement in sentiment picked up in the October survey. The firmer global recovery is finally beginning to bolster export orders. But conditions facing the manufacturing sector are still tough and are likely to remain so for a good while to come."
The monthly Industrial Trends survey was carried out between 22 October and 7 November 2003 and 837 manufacturers responded. During the period sterling averaged €1.45 (DM2.84) and $1.68 compared with €1.43 (DM2.80) and $1.66 in the October survey.
(gmcg)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 June 2004
Manufacturing still recovering despite dip in orders: CBI
Manufacturers' orders weakened slightly in June but not enough to suggest a threat to the sector's recovery, according to the CBI's Monthly Industrial Trends survey published today. Firms said total order books were marginally below normal in June, having returned to normal levels in May.
Manufacturing still recovering despite dip in orders: CBI
Manufacturers' orders weakened slightly in June but not enough to suggest a threat to the sector's recovery, according to the CBI's Monthly Industrial Trends survey published today. Firms said total order books were marginally below normal in June, having returned to normal levels in May.
25 February 2005
Minimum wage set to rise to £5-per-hour
The UK government has announced plans to increase the adult minimum wage from £4.85 to £5.05 in October 2005 and a further increase to £5.35 in October 2006. The youth rate, that for 18-21-year-olds will rise to £4.25 in October 2005 and to £4.45 the following year.
Minimum wage set to rise to £5-per-hour
The UK government has announced plans to increase the adult minimum wage from £4.85 to £5.05 in October 2005 and a further increase to £5.35 in October 2006. The youth rate, that for 18-21-year-olds will rise to £4.25 in October 2005 and to £4.45 the following year.
23 April 2002
UK manufacturing sector showing signs of recovery
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said that the struggling UK manufacturing sector is beginning to show signs of recovery. In its latest snapshot of industrialists' views its Quarterly Industrial Trends Survey showed that confidence among manufacturers had risen for the first time in more than two years.
UK manufacturing sector showing signs of recovery
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said that the struggling UK manufacturing sector is beginning to show signs of recovery. In its latest snapshot of industrialists' views its Quarterly Industrial Trends Survey showed that confidence among manufacturers had risen for the first time in more than two years.
25 March 2002
"Encouraging signs" for manufacturing recovery
Manufacturers have received another welcome boost this month with news that a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey has revealed that manufacturing output is expected to stabilise in the coming months.
"Encouraging signs" for manufacturing recovery
Manufacturers have received another welcome boost this month with news that a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) survey has revealed that manufacturing output is expected to stabilise in the coming months.
04 September 2019
Agri-Food Firms Prepare For Potential No-Deal
Information sessions are being held across Northern Ireland to help agri-food businesses and traders who export or import prepare for a no deal Brexit.
Agri-Food Firms Prepare For Potential No-Deal
Information sessions are being held across Northern Ireland to help agri-food businesses and traders who export or import prepare for a no deal Brexit.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.