Manufacturing companies across Yorkshire have reported record high demand which has boosted output and created new jobs during the first quarter of this year.

The latest Manufacturing Outlook survey published from EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and business advisers and accountants BDO in Yorkshire, shows that local manufacturers are facing their best outlook for a long time It reveals that 47 per cent of local firms have reported order growth in the first three months of the year – the strongest reading ever recorded for the first quarter – which typically has the lowest trading levels. Order levels are at their highest for four years.

Rising output, employment and investment have boosted confidence among regional firms, with a balance of 41 per cent reporting increased output, the highest level since mid-2011, and a balance of 47 per cent of companies hiring more staff as the regional economy picks up.

A balance of 30 per cent of local companies plan to increase investment in the second quarter to maximise potential growth opportunities.

The findings indicate that Yorkshire is well on course to mirror the UK as a whole, where the recovery is advanced and key indicators such as output, orders, employment and investment intentions are approaching or have already hit record highs.

EEF said that translating firms’ intentions to invest and hire more staff into action would be the ultimate test for long-term economic recovery. It is calling on the Chancellor to gear his Budget this week to secure the best possible business conditions to support growth.

Andrew Tuscher, EEF Yorkshire region director, said: “Looking ahead to the next quarter, this is the most positive set of indicators we have seen for some time. Here in Yorkshire it looks like we’re well and truly steaming down the right road.

“Manufacturers are clearly feeling more confident as their order books fill up and exports are strong. It is now vital that Government does all that it can to underpin support for companies, giving manufacturers the confidence to fulfil their investment and recruitment plans.”

Jason Whitworth, partner at BDO in the Yorkshire, said: “Yorkshire has seen an unprecedentedly good start to the year with record high demand and a significant increase in employment and manufacturing outputs, boding well for the coming year. We expect to see the region continue to strengthen as the wider UK recovery takes hold.

“The broad nature of the recovery that this survey points to is a source for particular encouragement as it has been some time since all sectors have been moving in the right direction. The fact that this is underpinned by a significant strengthening of exports, especially to Europe, adds further stability to the foundations of growth. .”

Silsden-based engineering firm Advanced Actuators, which supplies the oil, gas and nuclear industries across the globe, was highlighted by Chancellor george Osborne as an example of growing manufacturing confidence during a recent visit.

The firm’s boss Chris Woodhead said the £3 million turnover company was seeing the fastest growth in its 45-year history, including winning a £300,000 contract in China.