Archive for August 6th, 2013
Tuesday, August 6th, 2013
Manufacturing output surged in June at the strongest pace since the end of 2010, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Manufacturing output rose 1.9% month-on-month in June, following declines in both May and April. This growth came at more than twice the rate expected by analysts.
The latest upbeat news follows a stream of recent economic data that has indicated an improvement in the UK economy.
- Retail sales enjoyed their fastest July growth in seven years, according to the British Retail Consortium, as the heat wave boosted sales of swimwear, sandals, sun cream, beer and barbecue foods
- UK car sales enjoyed another strong month in July, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, with a total of 162,228 new cars registered in the month, up 12.7% on a year earlier
- On Monday, a closely-watched Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey indicated that the UK service sector expanded last month at its fastest pace since December 2006
- Last week, the PMI survey for the construction sector suggested it was growing at its fastest pace for three years
Overall, industrial production, which covers output from the UK’s factories and mines, rose by 1.1% between May 2013 and June 2013.
The figure was held back by lower oil and gas extraction and a fall in energy output, the ONS said. However, manufacturers reported rises in output across all sectors, with the strongest contribution coming from transport equipment, up 5.3%.
Manufacturing output was up 0.7% between the first and second quarters of 2013 and up 2% from June 2012. The statistics mirrored the recent manufacturing PMI survey by Markit, which indicated that the sector grew at its fastest pace for more than two years in July.
Tuesday, August 6th, 2013
Staffordshire’s travel scheme and Drayton Manor Theme Park have joined forces to offer young people discounts this summer.
Conservative controlled Staffordshire County Council’s Your Staffordshire Card has teamed up with Drayton Manor Theme Park to offer young people up to half price entry to the park.
Holders of the Your Staffordshire Card already benefit from £1 bus travel across the county, and a range of special offers from almost 80 businesses. Now the card is even better and is a must for thrill seekers, with discounted entry to Drayton Manor Theme Park, near Tamworth.
The card was introduced in April 2011 by Staffordshire County Council following consultation with young people and Staffordshire’s Youth Action Council (YAK). The scheme, which now has over 35,000 young people signed up, gives 11 to 19 year olds in the county bus travel for £1 per journey.
Staffordshire County Councillor, Simon Tagg, Cabinet Support Member for Transport and Connected County said, “We want young people to be able to get around the county and take part in lots of activities this summer and we know the Your Staffordshire Card will help us do this.
“Over a third of eligible teenagers in the county now have one, but I would like to see even more taking advantage of the cheap travel and the many great discounts available. Bringing local businesses onboard is also great for the Staffordshire economy and provides a real boost for retailers as many continue to trade under challenging circumstances.”
Colin Bryan, Managing Director of Drayton Manor Theme Park said, “It’s great to be able to work alongside Staffordshire County Council and local businesses to help young people save money on what we hope to be a fantastic day out. With a Ben 10 rollercoaster, a variety of thrill rides, Europe’s only Thomas Land™, a 4D Cinema and 15-acre zoo there’s something at Drayton Manor for the whole family to enjoy.”
To apply for a Your Staffordshire Card visit www.yourstaffordshirecard.info, or apply in person at your local library (with a parent if you are under 16). For further information or assistance call 0300 111 8000. Young people must live in the Staffordshire County Council administrative area. Young people who live in Stoke on Trent are not eligible.
