Sales stabilised for Kent firms in both UK and foreign markets at the back end of last year, according to economic research.

The number of businesses complaining of declining UK revenues dropped 11 percentage points to 14% in the last three months of 2016, said the quarterly economic survey carried out by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, 35% reported improving domestic turnover, reversing the growing
numbers warning of falling UK sales in the second and third quarters.

The survey of 189 Kent company bosses also revealed a sturdier export performance in the last three months of 2016.

A surprising 28% said foreign sales had declined in the third quarter despite the weakening of the pound since the EU referendum.

Results for the fourth quarter show only 9% said exports were down, a 19 point positive swing, although 67% said performance had remained constant rather than improved.

This was mirrored in future expectations for overseas trade, where only 12% reported a weaker order book, down 17 points. Once again, the major change was in the number saying export orders remained constant, up 21 points to 67%.

The picture was similar for future UK sales, although not as dramatic.

The percentage saying future orders remained constant grew nine points to 59%, while 16% reported decreased prospects, down seven points.

In its report, Kent Invicta Chamber said: “After weaker UK sales in Q2 and Q3, apparently due to Brexit uncertainty, sales strengthened in Q4.

"The reduction in strugglers was the lowest for nearly two years and is particularly encouraging.

“UK forward orders also show a reduction in strugglers, even if only one in four reported an increase in orders.”

It continued: “One of the surprises of Q3 was the patchy performance of export sales, given the weaker pound.

“However, Q4 shows more robust exports, with one in four reporting an export sales increase, two-thirds consolidating, and fewer than one in 10 apparently struggling.

“As usual, respondents were less bullish about export orders.”

More from Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce's quarterly economic survey:

Kent firms planning to put up prices at highest level for six years

Plans to hire new staff set to slow in Kent as bosses continue to struggle to find good applicants

Investment plans slow at Kent firms in last quarter of 2016