Business confidence is brittle ahead of Budget

BUSINESS confidence in the North East remains fragile in the run-up to next month's Budget, a new survey suggests.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD

> The North East Chamber of Commerce is calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to announce measures that will help unlock economic growth in the region

The quarterly economic survey from the North East Chamber of Commerce reveals falling investment in both staff and equipment, though many cost pressures on businesses are starting to ease.

Business activity remained subdued, the survey found, with a continuing drop in UK orders. The number of businesses exporting goods or services rose slightly during the quarter, however.