A positive uptick in East Midlands manufacturing could be slowing according to a new NatWest business survey. Its latest survey of bosses and company owners in the region suggests there was only a “marginal” increase in new business activity last month, while inflation continued to bite.
The bank’s most recent PMI Business Activity Index – which also covers the service sector – did however suggest that more people were in work, while hopes of a pick-up in sales, and planned investment in new products and machinery, were said to be driving positive sentiment. The degree of confidence did slip to a three-month low, however, broadly in line with the UK average.
Bosses said it was proving easier to find candidates for jobs and many said they were taking on staff.
