Sussex exporters have achieved the highest levels of overseas sales in six years and confidence is at its highest since 1996, a survey revealed.

About 40 per cent of exporters in Sussex reported an increase in overseas sales over the last six months, according to Lloyds TSB Corporate's research.

Expectations for the first half of the year are encouraging, with 40 per cent of the county's exporters forecasting an increase in overseas sales and only ten per cent predicting a drop in sales performance.

This success mirrors the increasingly healthy state of UK companies' order books, including export orders, following an upturn in the global economy in the latter part of last year.

Andy Lee, Sussex relationship director for Lloyds TSB Corporate, said: "Sussex exporters have rallied exceptionally well over the last six months, making the most of the improving economic situation.

"Any clouds of pessimism that might have prevailed in the early part of 2003 seem to have been dispelled, with confidence amongst exporters now at its highest point since 1996."

Thursday February 19, 2004