EXPORTERS across the south of England have achieved the highest levels of sales balances for six years and their confidence is at its greatest since 1996, according to the latest Business in Britain survey from Lloyds TSB Corporate.

Forty-one per cent of exporters reported an increase in overseas sales during the last six months.

Expectations for the first half of 2004 are encouraging, with 43 per cent of exporters forecasting an increase in overseas sales, a further 43 per cent anticipating export sales to remain the same and 14 per cent predicting a drop in sales performance.

Almost a third of companies reported an increase in European sales.

And although exports to the rest of the world from the central south of England were less satisfactory, exporters are confident of better times ahead, with 32 per cent forecasting an increase, 45 per cent expecting levels to remain the same and just 11 per cent predicting a drop in sales.

Mark Handscomb, Lloyds TSB corporate relationship director in the central south, which includes Salisbury, said: "This survey confirms that our exporters have rallied remarkably well over the last six months and made the most of an improving economic situation. Economic growth will accelerate significantly faster in 2004, particularly in the UK and US.

"The opportunities for exporters are there and it's reassuring to note that companies in the central south are ready and able to make the most of them," he said.