UK manufacturers smashed expectations in April

Manufacturing was boosted by an impressive month for the pharmaceutical sector

British manufacturing output surged in April, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

The statistics revealed that manufacturing grew by 2.3% over the month, its fastest pace since 2012, boosted by an impressive month for the pharmaceutical sector.

The rise in pharmaceuticals more than offset a further contraction in the manufacture of iron and steel, which fell 29% in the year to April, reflecting the ongoing crisis faced by the steel industry.

Output from the manufacture of drugs rose 13% - its largest monthly increase in four years.

Overall, manufacturing output increased by 0.8% between April 2015 and April 2016

Industrial production grew by 2% in April, compared with a 0.3% increase in March.