The survey of almost 400 manufacturers found that total orders rose for the fifth consecutive month, while exports orders also grew strongly. Meanwhile, output growth for the three months to September rose to its highest rate since August 2011 and is expected to rise strongly again over the next three months.

With demand building across the UK and globally, stocks have fallen to their lowest level since last November. But inflationary pressures remain muted, with average prices expected to remain relatively steady over the next three months.

Stephen Gifford, CBI Director of Economics, said: “Order books are the fullest they’ve been since the start of the financial crisis, and firms are ramping up production to meet demand. Firms are more upbeat about growth prospects in the coming quarter than at any time since 1995.”