The survey of 379 manufacturers revealed that output growth slowed slightly in the three months to August but remained well above the long-term average.

Output growth remained broad-based, with 13 out of 17 sub-sectors reporting growth, driven by the 'food, drink and tobacco' sector. Manufacturers expect output growth to continue at a similarly firm pace over the next three months.

While total order books faded slightly compared with the previous month, they were still comfortably above the long-run average. Export orders remained strong and well above the long run average.

Meanwhile, expectations for output price inflation remained steady, and broadly similar to those seen over the past six months.