A new survey of West Yorkshire's exporters has revealed a gloomy view.

Only 50 per cent of the firms who took part in the regional DHL Quarterly Export Indicator said they expected sales to improve over the next 12 months. Carried out just before the September 11 attacks, the survey also showed that 63 per cent of local exporters feared the strength of the pound would hit forthcoming sales.

Short-term predictions were more hopeful with 38 per cent of the 1,000 business people approached anticipating a growth in orders over the next three months.

Managing director of DHL International, David Coles, said: "Yorkshire's exporters are known to be resilient and resourceful. They respond rapidly to changing conditions in world markets and in the past have fought back well from setbacks.

"We are confident the current situation will provoke a similar response."