More help for manufacturing urged

UK business confidence improved this month, according to BDO’s latest business trends report, driven by steadily climbing optimism levels in the services sector. However, overall business confidence is still below the 95.0 mark that indicates growth, with business sentiment in the manufacturing sector remaining “more subdued”.

Ian Beaumont, lead partner at BDO in Yorkshire, said: “We’re pleased to see confidence slowly returning to businesses, and the continuing revival of the all important services sector.

“However, as in previous months, our indices reveal a mixed picture. The manufacturing sector is a particular concern. If it is serious about its plan to rebalance the economy, we continue to believe that the Government could do more to help manufacturing, particularly by encouraging both lending and investment in the sector. We also still think there is an excellent opportunity for the Government to expedite our economic recovery by increasing public investment.”