"London posted the joint-highest confidence reading in the UK last month at 63%, a big jump from November's 46%. Firms in the capital grew more optimistic about their own prospects, with that measure climbing seven points to 64%. But the really big shift was in how they view the wider economy, which shot up 27 points to 62%. The West Midlands matched London's 63% reading."
"The digital economy keeps delivering. Tech firms are doing well, helped by businesses and consumers who keep moving online. This shows up most in industries where being fast counts. Take gaming. An instant payout casino in the UK has become a big draw for people who don't want to wait days for their money. Speed isn't a nice-to-have anymore. It's what separates winners from losers."
"The East Midlands came in second at 56%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank. Here's something odd, though. Whilst businesses feel more positive about the economy as a whole, up 11 points to 42%, they're actually slightly less confident about their own trading (down one point to 52%). So companies reckon things are getting better out there, but they're not quite as sure it'll help them directly."
Business confidence across the UK rose ten points to 47% since the start of 2025, with London and the West Midlands both at 63% and the East Midlands at 56%. London firms grew more optimistic about their own prospects and the wider economy, while overall economic sentiment improved faster than firms' confidence in their own trading. The digital economy and tech firms performed strongly, with speed-critical services like gaming benefiting from instant payouts. Construction led sector gains, manufacturing and retail improved modestly, and services dipped. Nearly half of London businesses plan to hire, but labour shortages remain the main barrier to growth.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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