Business confidence in Yorkshire rose 13 points during March to 52%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds. While companies’ confidence in their own business prospects remained steady month-on-month at 53%, their optimism in the economy rose 24 points to 50%. Taken together, this gives a headline confidence reading of 52% (vs. 39% in February). Looking ahead to the next six months, Yorkshire businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (50%), evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (40%), and entering new markets (37%). 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. This data was gathered between the 3rd – 17th March, ahead of the Spring Statement. National picture Overall, UK business confidence was 49% in March – the same as in February. While firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects held steady at 57%, their confidence in the wider economy dropped one point to 40%. The West Midlands and London were the joint most-confident of any UK nation or region in March (both 62%), followed by the North West (59%). Sector insights Retail confidence rose seven points to 58%, a post-pandemic high, reflecting positive trading prospects. In contrast, the manufacturing sector saw the largest decrease in business confidence this month, declining 12 points to 39%, due to increased concerns about supply chain disruptions. Construction firms also saw a decline to 48% and businesses in the service sector saw confidence decline to 47%. Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds, said: “Business confidence in Yorkshire has been growing consistently through the year so far, and is outpacing the UK average this month. “Local firms will be looking how they can build on their positive outlook and drive fresh growth. We’ll be on hand to support their plans, whether that involves training for their team, or launching new products in new markets.”

The government and Environment Agency have announced that West Yorkshire flood protection projects will receive funding as part of a £2.65 billion national investment in flood defences.

Nearly 30 regional projects will benefit over the next year, with funding to strengthen infrastructure and protect businesses and homes from future flooding.

Key allocations include £5 million for the Brighouse flood alleviation scheme, designed to safeguard more than 400 properties. Brighouse was among the areas severely affected by the 2015 Boxing Day floods, which caused an estimated £500 million in damages across West Yorkshire. The project will include Wellholme Park and Whinney Hill Park flood water storage areas.

Other funding includes £2 million for flood defences at Hebble Brook in Halifax, £200,000 for the Keighley and Stockbridge scheme, and £100,000 for Haworth flood defences.

The investment is part of a wider effort to enhance flood resilience across the UK. Over the next two years, more than 1,000 flood schemes are planned for construction or repair nationwide.

The Home Office has announced that the UK government will require all employers in the gig economy and zero-hour contract sectors to verify that workers have legal employment status. Company directors who fail to comply could face up to five years in prison, business closures, bans from directorship, and fines of up to £60,000 per worker.

The policy change, part of amendments to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, aims to curb illegal working and disrupt people-smuggling networks. The Home Office says the checks, which take minutes to complete, will be provided free of charge.

Major gig economy firms like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats already conduct voluntary worker eligibility checks, but thousands of other businesses currently have no legal obligation to do so. The government argues the new rules will create a level playing field for compliant companies.

The announcement comes ahead of an international summit in London, where ministers from 40 countries will discuss strategies to combat human trafficking and illegal migration routes. The UK government also plans to expand enforcement powers against people-smuggling networks.