"Firms expect orders and output to rise strongly in the coming quarter and plan to invest more in the year ahead, pointing to growing momentum in manufacturing activity, " said Lucy Armstrong, chair of the CBI's SME council.

BBC: UK companies remain optimistic, surveys suggest

We expect Apple to announce 2 million shipments or more after its opening weekend, including pre-orders.

FORBES: iPhone 4 Is Huge: Apple Should Ship At Least 2 Million On Opening Weekend