Sussex firms are enjoying their best year since 1997 for sales, orders and profits according to a Lloyds TSB survey.
Nearly half the companies questioned enjoyed an increase in sales in the first six months of 2004, a rise of eight per cent during the past year.
Only 18 per cent said sales had fallen while firms reporting improved orders rose to 38 per cent.
Encouragingly, 46 per cent predict a continued rise in sales and 35 per cent are optimistic orders will grow.
Exporters also overcame the strong pound to benefit from solid global economic growth. Thirty-five per cent increased exports during the first half of 2004.
Friday July 16, 2004
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