Private sector activity falling in Yorkshire and Humber, survey suggests

Private sector activity in the Yorkshire and Humber area fell again in July despite a growth in business confidence, a new survey suggests.

The NatWest Yorkshire and Humber Business Activity Index, which measures region’s manufacturing and service sectors, fell to 48.0 in July, from 49.6 in June. Scores below 50 denote a contraction in the regional economy.

The decline was the sharpest of all 12 monitored parts of the UK, with businesses in the region pointing to weak demand in some areas. Workforce numbers across the local private sector also fell in July, extending a sequence of job shedding to eight months.

But business confidence grew in the area as companies highlighted expansion plans and strong sales pipelines.

Malcolm Buchanan, chair of the NatWest Regional Board, said: “Althou