Overseas demand

UK manufacturers grew at a ‘ solid clip’ last month amid strong demand for goods made in Britain in Europe, the United States, China and Brazil.

Research group IHS Markit said its index of activity in the sector – where scores above 50 show growth – came in at 55.9 in September.

Although it was down from a four-month high of 56.7 in August, it was above the long- run average of 51.7 and marked a 14th month of growth in a row.