The latest assessment of the purchasing managers' index (PMI) shows that business conditions are improving solidly.
The seasonally adjusted NCB Purchasing Managers' Index for October showed a reading of 53.2. Any reading over 50 indicates growth.
This is the 38 thsuccessive month that the PMI has shown a growth reading. That said, the reading for October is the second lowest this year, behind only March.
Output has risen each month since September 2003 with a number of firms saying the growth was linked to higher volumes of new business. Companies also commented on improvements in productivity.
READ MORE
The index stood at 54.2 in September.
Manufacturing employment increased marginally in October.