THE North-west's manufacturing industry has deteriorated significantly, it is claimed.

The latest Regional Trends Survey from the CBI shows that overall business confidence and export optimism have dropped more rapidly here than any other UK region. Orders and output have suffered sizeable falls since the last survey.

Export orders, deliveries and employment have also fallen. But total orders are expected to stabilise in the next four months. The national survey showed that manufacturers around the country were generally less gloomy than previously.