EEF NW comment on GDP data

Darrell Matthews

Commenting on yesterday’s (27 November) GDP data, Darrell Matthews, North West Region Director at EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “The second cut confirms the economy and industry grew at a fairly healthy clip, especially the positive news that business investment is contributing to growth.

"While conditions currently seem to be on the up, the recovery still faces ongoing challenges. Net trade is some way from supporting growth and there is a mountain to climb if business investment growth is to come close to the OBR’s forecast for this year and next.

"Next week’s Autumn statement must send out a powerful signal that government will continue to act on delivering a competitive business environment that will give the private sector confidence to invest.”