Manufacturing businesses in the UK can prepare for a solid 2015, results from a survey of confidence among 485 leading production firms suggest.

The CBI’s Industrial Trends Survey shows that production is expected to keep going up in the next three months. Sectors such as motor vehicles and transport equipment are particularly bullish with growth at a nine-month high.

Exports are “relatively weak” said the business group, although export orders have improved slightly and are at a four-month high. In general, order books are “strongly above average”, it added.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI director of economics, said: “The manufacturing sector is ending 2014 on a more upbeat note, having lost a little momentum earlier in the year.

“Export orders have improved, and output is expected to continue growing as we head into the New Year.

“However, the otherwise solid outlook for UK manufacturers is tempered by a challenging global backdrop.

“With Eurozone growth disappointing and some emerging markets facing a tough time, firms need to look harder for opportunities to ramp up exports to high-growth sectors across the globe.”