The UK manufacturing sector remained resilient in May, sustaining most of the growth momentum gained during the prior survey month. At 56.7, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers' Index was only slightly below April's three-year high of 57.3 and signalled an improvement in operating conditions for the tenth successive month.

Manufacturing production and new orders both expanded at above survey average rates. Companies benefited most from the continued strength of the domestic market. There was also a solid increase in new export business as well.