Markit Economics released its manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. on Monday. The Markit/Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply manufacturing PMI for the U.K. increased to 52.9 in January from 52.1 in December, exceeding expectations for a rise to 51.8. December's figure was revised up from 51.9.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The increase was driven by a rise in domestic demand.

"The UK manufacturing sector registered an uptick in its rate of expansion at the start of 2016, shrugging off a number of potential headwinds, ranging from global financial market volatility to localised flooding in the North of the country. The domestic market remains the key growth driver," Markit's Senior Economist Rob Dobson said.