Slow conversion of Drupa prospects may be the cause of lighter-than-expected supplier order books, according to Picon's latest survey of quarterly trends.


In the three months to 30 September export orders dropped sharply by 14% and domestic orders by 1%. Prices too have dropped in both the home and export market by 10% and 15% respectively.


But overall business optimism is on the up and outweighs pessimism for the seventh successive quarter. Confidence in the home market has increased by 6% and by 7% in the export market.


Picon marketing executive Mark Oakes said the survey made "sobering reading". "Conditions for manufacturers continue to be difficult, although we should take heart from the optimism," he added.