The survey of 430 manufacturers found that total order books returned to levels seen throughout the summer, and well above the long-run average. Meanwhile, export orders dipped a little, but remained above average.

Output volumes rose at a slower pace over the past three months. Expectations for production over the coming quarter are robust, however, reaching their highest level since February 2015.

In the wake of sterling's sharp depreciation, manufacturers expect to increase average selling prices over the next three months, at the fastest pace since January 2014.