Hard-hit manufacturers are 'turning the corner'

Hard-hit manufacturers are "turning the corner" with rising output expected over the next three months, the CBI business group said today

Its industrial trends survey for October showed a 4% balance of firms expected higher volumes in the coming quarter - the first positive result since June last year and the best since March 2008 before recession struck.

Chief economic adviser Ian McCafferty said: "Having endured a brutal recession, manufacturers appear to be turning the corner, with optimism up and mild growth in output and demand expected over the next three months."