Region remains upbeat despite struggles, survey shows

NATWEST says its latest Growth Tracker survey data signalled a slower increase in business activity across the South West in May.

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"At 51.3, the headline South West Business Activity Index edged down from 51.9 in April, but remained above the crucial 50.0 level to signal an increase in output for the fifth month in a row," a spokesperson said.

"The rate of expansion was modest, and the softest seen since February. Higher output was generally linked to company expansion plans, improved marketing strategies and work on previously secured orders. That said, there were also reports that more cautious spending among customers had dampened overall growth.