Britain’s manufacturers have seen an easing in conditions in the quarter, continuing the downward drift from the very strong picture of growth seen across the board during 2017, according to this major survey published by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation and accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP.

Manufacturers are still seeing a positive picture and business confidence indicators are holding up looking forward to the second half of the year. However, the combination of an easing global growth and increased political uncertainty at home and abroad, has pushed the output balances in some sectors down from the lofty heights of last year.