Chamber’s latest business survey paints mixed outlook

A recent survey by East Midlands Chamber has revealed a mixed outlook among companies in the region.

Its latest Quarterly Economic Survey shows businesses are continuing to project to make profit over the next year but are currently investing less in machinery and training.

The survey is a key indicator of challenges and opportunities faced by businesses across multiple sectors, highlighting their concerns and the level of confidence they have for the months ahead.

Richard Blackmore, director of policy and insight at East Midlands Chamber, said: “A varied picture that I’d describe as ‘cautious optimism’ can be taken from this Quarterly Economic Survey.

“On one hand it’s great to be seeing lots of confidence from businesses that they expect to be profitable over the next year – half the respondents reported that – but, at the same time businesses are hesitant to spend, having pulled back on investment in machinery and training.

“Within the context of the high cost of doing business and major political change, the mixed outlook we’ve seen in this survey isn’t too surprising.

“As we fast approach the Autumn Budget, I would urge the new government to do all they can to support businesses.”

To read the survey visit https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/east-midlands-report-Q3.html.

Tim Lenton, digital innovation and strategy director at Purpose Media, said: “We started the campaign with an audit of their digital presence before moving onto the campaign and so far, the result we have seen have been extremely promising.

“The Apprenticeship College are looking to expand their offering and double their turnover, so getting their name out effectively via a targeted campaign is a vital first step and we’re hopeful that we will be able help them achieve their marketing ambitions.”