Business confidence in the South West has reached its highest levels this year according the latest business barometer from Lloyds Bank.
Companies in the South West reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month (compared with March), up 14 points at 43%. When taking alongside their optimism in the economy, up 20 points to 28%, this gives a headline confidence of 36%.
South West businesses identified their top target areas for growth in the next six months as investing in their teams (46%), evolving product or service offerings (39%), and diversifying into new markets (33%). A net balance of 32% of businesses in the region expect staff levels to increase over the next year, up 14 points on last month.
