North East businesses are becoming increasingly worried about a range of challenges facing them in 2023, a survey of companies in the region reveals.
The quarterly economic survey from the North East England Chamber of Commerce shows energy costs and inflation remain the two biggest concerns for local businesses, but there are also worries over staff costs, taxation, shortages of workers and interest rates.
There are some signs of improving conditions for businesses, with increasing investment in plant and training plans, as well as better figures on exports. But UK sales and orders have both dropped significantly over the last year and the Chamber highlighted a general lack of business confidence.
