• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday October 2 2025

South West business confidence dipped slightly in September

Business confidence in the South West dipped slightly in September, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.

Confidence in the region dropped by two points to 37 per cent, a trend mirrored across the UK where confidence dipped to 42 per cent.

Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects rose four points to 48 per cent, while optimism in the economy fell seven points to 27 per cent.

Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 37 per cent.

Amanda Dorel, regional director for the South West at Lloyds, said: “Although headline confidence has dipped slightly this month, it’s encouraging to see firms’ optimism in their own prospects rise – a reflection of local businesses’ adaptability, resilience and ambition.”

The North East was the most confident UK nation or region in September, climbing 13 points to 68 per cent, followed by London (57 per cent).

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.