Business confidence remains unchanged according to lLloyds Bank Business Barometer

August 2, 2018

Overall business confidence – an average of business prospects and economic optimism – remains unchanged at 29% in July, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

The report revealed that construction (48%) and manufacturing (38%) were the most confident sectors, while the weakest were transport & communication (28%) and other services (24%). The North West (49%) and London (43%) were the most confident regions, while the South West and East Midlands were the least confident.

71% of firms expect the Bank of England to raise rates this year according to the Lloyds Business Barometer published 31st July 2018, the first test to that is today when interest rate decision will be announced by the Bank of England for this month.

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking commented:

“The uplift in economic optimism this month illustrates a slightly more positive view on the balance of risks for the UK economy, despite the expected interest rate rise this year. However, with the net balance of stronger business activity declining slightly, it will be interesting to see if the overall business confidence measure shifts from its steady position towards the end of the year.”

Scott Barton, Managing Director for Mid Markets said:

“Despite ongoing political uncertainty relating to Brexit, businesses in the West Midlands, London and North West seem to be prepared to increase their staffing levels, which is good news. However, this sentiment is not shared by firms in Scotland, Wales and the East of England, which could have an impact on their future investment plans”.

Read the latest Business Barometer report from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking in full click here.

 

 

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Popping the Asking Price Bubble

Where in the Uk Can Buyers Snap Up Property Bargains and Where Properties Go for a Premium Above Asking Price   New research from fast selling property company, Upstix has uncovered the UK’s most surprising postcodes for snapping up a property at bargain prices this year, highlighting a widening gap between sellers’ expectations and the…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Highest demand to lease office space since pre-pandemic

The latest insights from the UK’s number one commercial property website Rightmove, reveals that the number of unique enquiries to lease office space is at its highest point since pre-pandemic, as businesses look for spaces that meet modern requirements. Demand to lease office space is 19% higher than the same period a year ago and…
Read More →
Planning disputes on new build land
Estate Agent Talk

Planning consultations for major infrastructure to be streamlined

Robert Bruce, a planning and infrastructure partner at law firm Freeths LLP, said he: “Welcomed the change as a significant step to speeding up the DCO process and the focus on the quality and effectiveness of the consultation, rather than box ticking and a risk averse approach to pre-application consultation due to the current legal…
Read More →
Breaking News

‘The property ladder pulls further away’ warns Open Property Group

For many first-time buyers across England, the dream of homeownership continues to slip further out of reach. Despite rising wages, soaring house prices are making it harder than ever to get on the property ladder. A leading UK professional house buying company ‘Open Property Group’ based in Buckinghamshire UK, has raised concerns over the ongoing…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

How Long It Takes to Buy a House in the UK: 5 Common Delays That Can Slow Down Your Home Purchase

Wondering how long it takes to buy a house in the UK? The average timeline ranges from 8 to 22 weeks, but even that can stretch significantly due to unexpected delays, especially if you’re a first-time buyer or caught in a chain. That’s why working with experienced professionals like Belvoir — one of the UK’s…
Read More →
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove to host Renters’ Rights Bill webinar with Guild of Lettings

Rightmove is hosting a live and interactive webinar session with the Guild of Lettings to help agents get Renters’ Rights Ready. The webinar will take place from 10:00am – 11:00am on Wednesday 23rd April. Susie Crolla, Managing Director for the Guild of Lettings, will be joining Rightmove to help agents with questions they may have about…
Read More →