North East business confidence leads the UK as firms expect to grow headcounts

Optimism about the economy and trading prospects has put County Durham and North East firms at the top of a UK table for business confidence.

Data collected across April shows regional businesses reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 18 points at 55%. Optimism in the economy was up 14 points to 63%, giving and overall confidence reading of 59%, compared with 43% in March.

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