UK factory orders fell at their slowest pace in November for almost a year and export demand was the highest since April, according to the Confederation of British Industry's Industrial Trends Survey.

The CBI's survey found that a balance of 45% of firms said total order book levels were below normal, the least negative since December 2008.

27% of manufacturers anticipate a higher volume of output over the next quarter, while 23% said it would fall. The balance of +4% marks the second consecutive month where marginal output growth is expected.

"Manufacturers have had another testing month, though conditions are not quite as bleak as they have been for much of 2009. The weaker pound has softened the blow for exports, but the ongoing lack of demand for manufactured goods reconfirms that any recovery will be anaemic and slow," said Ian McCafferty, chief economic adviser of the CBI.