Business confidence remained steady in the North East in August, according to new research, amid economic challenges.
Data from the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking found that companies in the region reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 41 points at 3 per cent.
When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up three points to 22 per cent, this gives a headline confidence reading of 31 per cent.
Businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their teams, evolving their offering and diversifying into new markets, while the number of firms looking to increase staff levels in the year increased slightly by two points to 32 per cent.
Source: Insider Media
