The Chambers of Commerce North West are reporting that Businesses have seen a generally positive start to the year, according to the latest North West Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).
The QES shows a welcome improvement in demand and conditions for larger businesses in both manufacturing and services. In other areas the results are mixed, but remain encouraging overall given the national picture.
Despite the rise in the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance across the North West, the QES reveals that private sector job creation in the region remains positive. Moreover the employment expectations reported by manufacturers in this quarter’s survey are at the highest level since Q2 1998.
North West, said:
and point to an improvement in the business
environment for firms in the region. It was particularly
encouraging to see an increase in the key export
indicators for both manufacturing and service firms.
It was also good to see the employment indicators remain strong and they show how the private sector continues to create jobs during these difficult economic times.”
The QES is compiled by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Chambers of Commerce North West. The following North West Chambers contributed to the survey: Altrincham & Sale, Cumbria, East Lancashire, Greater Manchester (incorporating Stockport), Halton, Knowsley, Lancaster, Liverpool, Macclesfield, North & Western Lancashire, Sefton, St Helens, Warrington, West Cheshire & North Wales and Wirral.
For more information – http://www.gmchamber.co.uk/stories/north-west-businesses-report-positive-start-to-2013