A full summary of the performance of UK businesses as a whole, according to the survey, can be found here. But how did the Yorkshire & Humber Manufacturing and Service sectors perform?

Manufacturing Sector

On balance the manufacturing sector in Yorkshire and Humber had a good quarter. Home and export deliveries, and export sales recovered strongly while home sales strengthened. Confidence in both turnover and profitability remained buoyant and in line with the national average. Employment over the quarter and expectations for the next quarter partially recovered although still in negative territory. A reduction in recruitment difficulties was noted.

+10% reported an increase in home orders, up 25 points from the previous quarter and 17 points below the national aggregate.

+7% reported an increase in export sales, up 23 points from the previous quarter and 13 points below the national aggregate.

+8% revised their plans for investment in plant and machinery upwards since last quarter, up 12 points from the previous quarter and 15 points below the national aggregate.

+54% are confident of improving turnover over the next 12 months, up 27 points from the previous quarter and 5 points above the national aggregate

Service Sector

The home and export markets in the service sector enjoyed a strong quarter; both home and exports sales and deliveries strengthened in Q4 with exports in particular above national totals. Employment levels and expectations showed a slight weakening however remain healthy. Confidence in both profitability and turnover accelerated above the national average, as did investment in plant machinery. Cashflow remains healthy showing a modest increase.

+31% reported an increase in home sales, up 9 points from the previous quarter and 3 points below the national aggregate.

+29% reported an increase in export orders, up 21 points from the previous quarter and 4 points above the national aggregate.

+11% have expanded their workforce in the last three months, down 10 points from the previous quarter and 6 points below the national aggregate.

+48% are confident of improving profitability over the next 12 months, up 12 points from the previous quarter and 3 points above the national aggregate.