14 August 2012
Half of manufacturers have seen orders increase this year and expect the trend to continue in the coming months, new research has shown.
A survey of 700 smaller firms in England also showed that a third were looking to create new jobs.
But only two out of five reported an increase in inquiries from potential customers, and fewer companies were considering investing in new machinery compared with earlier this year.
The Manufacturing Advisory Service said there were positive signs of growth, although firms were being "cautious".
Business minister Mark Prisk said the study showed that many small manufacturing firms were growing despite the "challenging" economic environment.
