THE North West’s manufacturers are continuing to drive the UK’s economic recovery by taking advantage of export-led demand, according to a survey published today.

The 2011 Manufacturing Outlook survey released by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and BDO, shows positive responses on output and orders have continued over the past three months, marking six consecutive quarters of growth.

In the last three months the balances on new orders and output were +36% and +33%, up from +25% and +23% respectively.

While the prospects for the next three months have eased with both balances falling to +19% this is still above the long-term average and is to be expected after such a period of strong growth.

EEF claims this growth is being driven by the growth in the aerospace sector in particular which had the strongest national order balance for the last three months, as well as the last three.

Motor vehicles has also remained strong, both of which have a large presence in the North West both directly and, through the supply chain.

David Ost, EEF North West Region director, said: “Recent data appear to indicate that manufacturing may be heading for more turbulent times.

“However, cutting through some of the noise from temporary factors over the past few months our survey continues to show underlying strength in output and orders.

“Providing buoyant demand from overseas markets holds firm, we should see growth maintained.”