Business confidence in the South East boosted more than anywhere else in the country
According to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, conducted between the 1st and 15th of September (prior to the Chancellor's recent controversial 'mini budget' economic announcement), business confidence in the South East increased 15 points to 15% in the past month. It's a figure that represents the largest increase of all of the UK's various regions and nations.
Every month, the Business Barometer report conducts a survey of 1,200 enterprises to express the level of confidence among UK businesses. It provides critical insight into developing economic trends, which can aid in corporate forecasting and planning for many.
The report includes a variety of common monthly questions ranging from business activity and economic confidence to staffing levels, pay and prices charged.
Regional and sector insights inside the report add another layer of information, allowing markets to zero in on specific areas in which companies operate, allowing readers to better understand the economic environment relevant to various business sectors and locales.
With a 15% increase in company confidence, it was good news for the South East. However, there was some mixed news from across the country:
- After dropping for the previous three months, overall business confidence has stabilised at 16%
- Businesses expect to hike prices by 55% in the coming year, setting a record high
- 9% of businesses anticipate a 5% increase in wages in the following year
The full report can be downloaded here.
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