WELSH FIRMS POST A FALL IN CONFIDENCE

'BUSINESS BAROMETER' PLUNGES BY 38 POINTS

- By OWEN HUGHES Business Correspondent

BUSINESS confidence in Wales fell 40 points during September to 23%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.

Companies in Wales reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 38 points at 27%.

When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 41 points to 19%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 23% (vs. 63% in August).

The good news is this still remains in positive territory despite the fall on last month.

Looking ahead to the next six months, Welsh businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (42%), introducing new technology (27%) and evolving their offering, for example by launching new products or services (27%).