Private sector sees slowdown

Private sector activity growth in Yorkshire and the Humber eased to its weakest level for three years in February, according to a new survey.
File photo of red hot metal being moved across the heavy forge at the Forgemasters Works in Sheffield   Photo: PAFile photo of red hot metal being moved across the heavy forge at the Forgemasters Works in Sheffield   Photo: PA
File photo of red hot metal being moved across the heavy forge at the Forgemasters Works in Sheffield Photo: PA

The headline Lloyds Bank Yorkshire and Humber Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – recorded a figure of 51.9 in February, down from 55.1 in January, signalling a weaker expansion in business activity in the region.

The latest figure was the lowest in three years and below the UK average for the third consecutive month.