10/4/2017.

Business Activity Rebounds.

A Lloyds Bank purchasing managers’ survey shows that regional business activity rebounded at the end of the first quarter of 2017, boosted by “stronger demand for goods and services”. However, the period also saw the “biggest rise in average prices charged” in almost six years – a factor that reduced businesses’ appetite to hire new staff. The strongest regional growth was found in the east of England, the northwest and the Humber. Separately, data published by Grant Thornton found that confidence levels in Scotland’s businesses have stabilised. It said 15% of Scottish business leaders are confident about trading conditions over the next year, up from 14% in the previous three months.

The Times, Page: 42   The Scotsman, Page: 34