• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Friday February 27 2026

South West business confidence plummeted in February

Business confidence in the South West plummeted 10 points during February to 18 per cent, bucking the national trend.

Companies in the South West reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down four points at 35 per cent, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.

When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, down 16 points to one per cent, this gives a headline confidence reading of 18 per cent against 28 per cent in January.

Nationally, business confidence was unchanged since January at 44 per cent.

Amanda Dorel, regional director for the South West at Lloyds, said: “Although confidence has fallen this month, South West firms are pressing ahead with their plans for future growth – from investing in their teams to launching new products and services.

“As they take these next steps, we’ll continue to be there with our support.”

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.