Business confidence in Scotland fell five points during January to 10%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.
Companies in Scotland reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 17 points at 8%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up six points to 12%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 10%.
Scottish businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as evolving their product and service offer (42%), investing in sustainability (29%) and investing in their teams (27%).
The barometer surveyed 1,200 businesses - including 98 in Scotland - between 3 and 17 January, finding a net balance of 14% expect to increase staff levels over the next year. This is up from December, when a net balance of 11% of businesses reported plans to make new hires.
