Domestic demand for British manufacturing is at its highest level for 18 years, the British Chambers of Commerce reported yesterday. Financial Times. The Times. The Independent

The BCC said that 36% more manufacturers experienced a rise in domestic sales in the third quarter than a fall, equalling the record for the series, which began in 1989.

The balance reporting rising overall orders fell, from 29 to 26%, but was still at historically high levels.