Improved manufacturing output must be nurtured
10/02/10 | 12:41
Commenting on the manufacturing output figures for December 2009, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“These figures are stronger than expected and reinforce hopes that 2009’s fourth quarter GDP growth will be revised upwards - possibly by even more than the ONS has indicated.
“This improvement does not mean there is any room for complacency. Manufacturing declined sharply last year and annual growth is still in negative territory.
“The BCC’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey provided evidence that the manufacturing sector is now responding well to increasing global demand for exports, and it is important to support these positive trends in a way that will help reduce the UK’s trade deficit.
“The manufacturing sector’s access to finance must be improved and businesses need help to preserve their skills base.”
Ends
Media Contact:
Sam Turvey
Tel: 020 7654 5813
Email: s.turvey@britishchambers.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
ONS: Between November and December 2009, manufacturing output increased by 0.9 per cent.
http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?ID=198
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