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Welsh businesses show some signs of slow improvement

Western Mail

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November 18, 2025

WELSH private sector output improved in October but remains in negative terrain, according to the latest regional growth tracker from NatWest.

- SION BARRY

The headline index reading of 48.5 was up on 45.5 in September. Expansion is defined as being anything above 50.

Although indicating a less marked decline in activity for October, the fall in output was the greatest of the 12 nations and regions of the UK.

Following a challenging 2025 for employment across Wales, NatWest said there are some reasons for optimism, with the rate of job-shedding at its slowest in 14 months.

Some panellists reported some examples of moves towards stability, with reports of easing cost pressures and softening margins, alongside some reports of active employment of temporary and unskilled workers. This shift also coincided with the slowest rate of job-shedding in the region in 14 months.

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