Lawyer Claims Private Equity Opportunities Being Missed

The 1.2 per cent increase in UK manufacturing during September, which was revealed by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is being reflected in an increase in deal activity.

The output figure was better than expected and followed a fall during August. The data for September means that manufacturing output rose 0.9 per cent over the third quarter.

According to the ONS. the sectors which performed most strongly were pharmaceuticals. transport and computers. 

Lee Hopley, chief economist of the manufacturers' group the EEF, said:

"There were strong gains in pharmaceuticals, electronics and transport, with the latter benefiting from a combination of new products, solid overseas demand and longer order books. With signs pointing to firm activity in the final months of this year our forecasts suggest that the second half of the year will be the strongest six-month period for the sector in three years."