Law firm’s research showing the first green shoots of recovery in the region

Huddersfield-based Baxter Caulfield’s six-monthly Economic Report indicates that some firms are finding reasons to be cheer-ful.

The report shows that the final half of 2012 saw growth in the economic activity of private sector companies in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The firm has carried out an in-depth evaluation of announcements made by businesses in the region covering job creation, new investment and contract wins.

Stephen Newman, a senior partner at Baxter Caulfield, said: “The results of the research make for positive reading, showing that the skilled, forward-thinking nature of companies in the region attracts investment, bringing in new contracts and from that, creating jobs.”

The research reveals that, since June 2012, Yorkshire-based newspapers have reported the creation of 8,532 private sector jobs in the region.

Over the same period, Yorkshire-based newspapers have reported £259.58m of new investment by private sector business in the region.

Mr Newman added: “The final six months of 2012 proved to be successful for the region, especially with the creation of so many new jobs across all industries.

“The early part of 2013 has seen several big name casualties, especially on the high street.

“So, for businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber to be soldiering on, and still managing to invest, and take on new staff when others are shedding, shows real commitment and determination and makes me very proud of this region.

“Despite these results, of course, businesses cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. It is still an extremely tough economic climate out there. But the region’s businesses should hold their heads up high as they help to drag us through the gloom of the financial winter.

“It is early days, but the green shoots of spring may just be starting to show.”