Businesses in Cheshire have expressed confidence for 2023 despite concerns around reduced customer demand and increasing energy costs. 

A survey by Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub, responded to by almost 300 businesses, has found that almost half of businesses are either very or somewhat confident about their prospects for 2023. 

However, more than half of businesses said they were facing challenges with reduced customer demand and just under half raised concerns about energy costs. 

Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub, part of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, is responsible for providing support and guidance to businesses across the sub-region.

It will use the results of the survey to ensure its support is tailored to the needs of businesses. 

Trevor Brocklebank, deputy chair of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “As we enter 2023, we know businesses are facing significant challenges when it comes to their costs and demand. 

“We know that part of what makes small business owners so successful is their natural optimism but it is still encouraging to see that many consider the current financial situation nationally to be transitionary and that they are planning to weather the storm.” 

He added: “We’re very proud of all the local businesses here in Cheshire that are thriving and helping our economy to grow. We know that there will be difficult months to come for many, but at the Local Enterprise Partnership, Marketing Cheshire and Growth Hub, we are ready to help them respond to these challenges and this survey will help us to do that.”

Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub offers a range of support to businesses in areas including business growth, finance, new markets and more.