Manufacturing activity rises

Britain’s beleaguered manufacturing sector may finally be emerging from recession after recording its best performance in 14 months.

The latest purchasing managers’ index from Markit and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (Cips) showed a headline reading of 51.3 for May, up from a revised 50.2 in April and above the 50 level that separates growth from contraction.

David Noble, chief executive at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (Cips), said: “There’s more work to do, but this is a solid foundation which bodes well for the future.”

Lee Hopley, chief economist at manufacturing trade body EEF, said the figures signalled “the strong likelihood of a positive second quarter for the sector”.

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