UK business confidence weakens as doubts grow over wider economy

UK business confidence weakens as doubts grow over wider economy

LONDON, Jan 30 (Reuters) – British business confidence has weakened this month after executives’ view of the global economic outlook declined to its darkest in a ‍year, a survey by Lloyds showed on Friday. Lloyds’ business barometer slipped to a net balance of +44% in January from +47% in December, driven by a 14-point drop in businesses’ net economic optimism to a one-year low of +28%. During the January 5 to January ‌20 survey period, Presiden…

Scottish business confidence edges higher

Business confidence in Scotland rose one point during January to 37%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland.    Companies in Scotland reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 15 points at 53%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 13 points to 21%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 37% (vs. 36% in December 2025).  A net balance of 42% of businesses in th…

East of England business confidence falls in January despite stronger trading prospects

Business confidence in the East of England fell by ten points during January to 34%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. Companies in the East reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up four points at 58%. When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 25 points at 9%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 34% (vs. 44% in December 2025). Looking ahead to the next six months, …

Business confidence drops in blow to Labour

Business confidence fell again at the start of the year, according to a tracker frequently cited by Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, dealing a blow to the government in its hopes of boosting the UK economy before difficult elections in May. Starmer and Reeves have frequently pointed to the Lloyds Bank business barometer when speaking about bosses’ confidence in growth plans, with recent examples showing higher confidence levels than other surveys…

Welsh business confidence falls into negative terrain

Chartered accountancy membership body the ICAEW has published its latest Welsh business confidence monitor