The Markit Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), UK manufacturing sector purchasing managers' index for the month of January, rose to  52.1, an early indicator that manufacturing is a little healthier than expected. The general concensus seeing  a small rise from December of 49.8.

However this is just one month but the second consecutive rise and an eight month high, so while this is a little early to get the trumpets out, it is a positive indicator coupled with an increase in export orders.