Confederation of British Industry's (CBI) quarterly report on small- and medium-sized manufacturers, via Reuters
- output increasing at the fastest rate in seven years
- export orders increased at the strongest pace since 2011
- "Firms are clearly in an exporting sweet spot, able to exploit the competitiveness gains from a low exchange rate and a firm global backdrop," said CBI economist Alpesh Paleja
- Paleja said the boost from the weaker pound would fade, making an agreement for frictionless, tariff-free trade with European Union critical. "This is particularly true for (small- to medium-sized companies), as preparing for the UK's exit from the EU is significantly more difficult for smaller companies facing greater pressure on their resources," he said
