The UK manufacturing sector maintained a solid rate of expansion at the start of the final quarter. October saw the seasonally adjusted Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index post 54.3, down slightly from 55.5 in September, to remain well above its long-run average of 51.5.

Underpinning the improvement in operating conditions were marked expansions of new business and production. New order volumes increased for the third consecutive month and at a pace close to September's recent high. Companies reported higher demand from both domestic and export clients.