CASHING IN ON POUND

Manufacturers are having their busiest spell for 29 years, research shows.

Booming exports on the back of the weak pound meant factory output rose strongly this month.

Business lobby group the Confederation of British Industry questioned 464 manufacturers.

Of those, 27% reported that their order books were above normal, while 12% said they were below.

The difference between the two was the strongest reading recorded by the CBI since 1988.

Exports also improved to a 22-year high.

Rain Newton-Smith, the CBI’s chief economist, said: “Britain’s manufacturers are continuing to see demand for ‘Made in Britain’ goods rise with the temperature.

“Total and export order books are at highs not seen for decades, and output growth remains robust.”