Confidence dips but remains above UK's

BUSINESS confidence levels in Wales have fallen but remain in positive terrain and healthier than the UK as a whole, latest research from Lloyds shows.

- SION BARRY

Its latest business barometer - where any score above 0% is positive and below 0% is negative - shows that in August, companies in Wales reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month on month, down 21 points at 65%.

When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down six points to 60%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 63%, compared to 76% in June.

Looking ahead to the next six months, Welsh businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their teams (51%), evolving their offering; for example, by introducing new products or services (41%), and entering new markets (32%).