[ad_1]
Business confidence in South East rose during February to its highest amount since June 2022, according to Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.
The company’s latest Business Barometer shows that companies in the region reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 18 points at 26 per cent.
When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up one point to 5 per cent, this gives a headline confidence reading of 16 per cent.
South East businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as diversifying into new markets (37 per cent), evolving their offer (34 per cent) and introducing new technology (28 per cent).
Elsewhere, a net balance of 8 per cent of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up three points on last month.
Paul Evans, regional director for the South East at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “An increase in confidence is just the tonic for South East businesses who have been grappling with uncertainty in the economy, rising energy prices and a competitive labour market.
“The trick for our region’s businesses now will be converting this optimism into long-term growth plans.
“I know from speaking to businesses leaders that many see opportunities in introducing sustainability measures, but inflation is affecting their ability to invest in Net Zero.”
[ad_2]
Source link