LONDON: The manufacturing industry is at its most optimistic in almost two years as business confidence picks up across the economy, according to surveys. A monthly business trends report from BDO, the accounting firm, and a quarterly business confidence monitor from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales both show companies becoming more upbeat about their prospects.
The surveys add to evidence that the UK is weathering the after-effects of the EU referendum and the election of President Trump better than expected. Peter Hemington, a partner at BDO, said: “The UK economy seems to be remarkably resilient. British businesses are surprisingly confident about the short term, encouraged by the opportunities our cheaper currency and a better-performing global economy have created.
