Companies in the West Midlands reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 22 points at 36 per cent. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 15 points to 39 per cent, this gives a headline confidence reading of 37 per cent (vs. 56 per cent in May). The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Overall UK business confidence fell nine points in June to a net balance of 41 per cent. Meanwhile, there was a mixed set of results seen across the sectors, but following last month’s increase, confidence fell in construction as well as retail and services”.

Source: Daily Nation June 28, 2024 08:49 UTC