Business confidence amongst firms in Wales rose in April, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Wales reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up nine points at 42%.
When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up three points to 22%, this gave a headline confidence reading of 32%. Welsh businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as diversifying into new markets (35%), evolving their offer (23%) and investing in sustainability (22%).
The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. A net balance of 21% Welsh firms expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up one point on last month.
