July saw levels of orders and sales in the manufacturing technology sector broadly maintained according to the latest survey from the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA).

This month, the value of order intake fell slightly, though the cumulative trend remains high. Invoiced sales increased in comparison to the June figures with the majority of respondents reporting a rise in sales, taking the cumulative trend to its highest level for four months.

The balance for business confidence remains significantly positive despite feedback that the level of enquiries has fallen. For some businesses, the fall of enquires in July could be attributed to peak of business interest following MACH 2010 which was staged in early June.

Meanwhile, July saw the first positive balance for jobs, although the majority of respondents reported no change in their employee numbers.

MTA
www.mta.org.uk