Business optimism among manufacturers falls, says Barometer

The survey, published by Gresham, the regionally based UK private equity house in the Mid-market Monitor, found that over the service and manufacturing sectors as a whole, confidence levels are at 65% now compared with 76% in January. However, overall confidence levels remain well above their low point of January 2003 when only 43% of firms felt optimistic about the future.

47% of mid-sized companies in the UK fear road-charging will have a damaging effect on their business with levels of concern particularly high in the north (54%) and in Wales (67%). Manufacturing firms were more concerned about road pricing than those in the services sector, with 55% fearing the effects of road charging as against 38% in the services sector.

Sales and profit growth has been slipping over the first six months of the year: 58% of mid market firms report an increase in turnover, compared with 65% in January; while 50% have seen profits rise, down from 55% six months ago.

Pension funding is the most important benefit for employees according to 87% of respondents ahead of other “perks” such as car allowances or flexible working.

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Google plus  
• Send to  

• Topics