It said the figures showed that the UK's trading position was not improving.

BBC: Export help for small businesses unveiled

Westcoast will give Duke a powerful trading position on the West Coast as gas takes on increasing importance as a fuel for electricity plants.

FORBES: Trading places

Dewhirst's trading position worsened this spring when it was revealed deflated high street prices meant the manufacturer had been steadily losing money for more than 18 months.

BBC: M&S supplier axes 300 jobs