# North West England economic growth and confidence

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-west-england-economic-growth-and-confidence
> Updated: 2026-08-28T07:14:13.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Economic indicators in the North West of England have shown signs of growth and improved sentiment. In mid-2026, the region was identified as one of only two UK regions to see an increase in building materials sales, with a 1.3% rise in value sales between April and June compared to the previous year. However, experts noted that price inflation might mean actual sales volumes remained flat.

By August 2026, business confidence in the North West rose to 59%, a 10-point increase driven largely by rising economic optimism. Businesses in the region cited stronger customer demand and a more stable environment as key factors, with approximately 41% of firms planning to increase staffing levels over the coming year.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: UK regional business confidence rises in North West and East Midlands

Business confidence rose in the UK's North West and East Midlands during August, driven by increased economic optimism despite varying outlooks on individual company trading.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-regional-business-confidence-rises-in-north-west-and-east-midlands

### 2026-08-20: North West UK sees growth in building materials sales

The North West is one of only two UK regions to see growth in building materials sales, bucking a national downward trend in the construction supply chain.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-west-uk-sees-growth-in-building-materials-sales

---
Cite as: North West England economic growth and confidence. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-west-england-economic-growth-and-confidence