New overseas business levels for small and medium-sized companies fell in the three months to July.
The CBI’s latest SME trends survey found export orders declined in the quarter as prices continued on their downwards trajectory.
The survey of 408 firms found, however, that domestic orders and optimism levels had risen in the period.
Anna Leach, CBI head of economic analysis, said: “Optimism among smaller manufacturers improved this quarter, alongside steady employment growth, rising output and new domestic orders.
“But the relative strength of the pound against the Euro is hitting export orders and margins.
“This, alongside uncertainty regarding Greece, threatens growth prospects in the eurozone.”
