UK regional business confidence falls in East Midlands and North West

According to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer, business confidence in two UK regions saw declines in September. In the East Midlands, headline confidence fell 31 points to 20%, significantly below the 12-month average of 50%. While optimism regarding the economy dropped to 9%, some firms reported resilience through customer demand and improving financial conditions. To drive growth, East Midlands businesses are prioritizing staff training, new products, and technology.

In the North West, headline confidence decreased by 10 points to 49%, though this remains above the UK average. The region's trading outlook stayed relatively stable at 57%. Optimism in the North West is supported by improved supply chain conditions and customer demand. Growth strategies for the region include evolving product offerings, entering new markets, and investing in team training.