"These figures may be signs that industry is beginning to benefit from a weak pound and the ongoing inventory cycle. However, given the low-base from which we’re starting we still can't take a strong, sustainable recovery for granted.
"The fourth quarter was always going to be better than the rest of the year and with fiscal stimulus set to be withdrawn in January the dangers of a double dip are still very real. The government and the Bank of England still have their work cut out for them if any pick-up in orders is to turn into true business confidence on the ground."