EXPORTERS in the North West are hitting back.
The latest Chamber of Commerce survey for the region - in which East Lancashire firms took part - found that firms reported a buoyant end to 1997.
Export sales jumped sharply in the last quarter of the year compared with disappointing falls in the previous three months.
"The story is remarkably positive this quarter for both manufacturing and service sector business, especially given the continued strength of sterling," said Robert Hough, chairman of the North West Chambers Economic Committee.
"Overall the figures are extremely buoyant but the story is not all good.
"Strong growth in orders and sales and tightening labour market are now causing inflationary pressures which increase the upside on interest rates."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article