Boost to UK export sales

UK firms enjoyed a “bumper” six months last year in export sales to countries including India and China, a new report showed today.

A weaker pound and strong growth in overseas markets helped the performance of companies, according to research for Lloyds TSB.

A survey of 1,500 firms showed that a third reported higher exports outside Europe, although sales to eurozone countries were also “buoyant”.

Exports were “extremely strong” in the second half of the year and optimism for the next few months was high.

Peter Sargent, of Lloyds TSB, said: “Despite suffering weak sales and orders during the second half of the year, UK companies’ export performance has been remarkably good.

“It is therefore not too surprising to see that they are very confident about the months ahead, and their export intentions certainly do suggest that forecasts predicting a strengthening of the UK economy are spot-on.”