A MARKED increase in confidence has been revealed by the latest survey of North West businesses.

But investment plans have remained the same, and some firms reported difficulty in recruiting skilled manual labour, according to the latest quarterly Chambers of Commerce survey.

Overall, however, the survey found firms much more hopeful about future turnover and profitability.

Orders for the home manufacturing market were particularly strong and export deliveries also improved slightly. Consumer confidence continued to grow producing an increase in retail spending and tourism in the region.

There was also a gradual improvement in the housing market.

But capital investment plans have remained largely static.

"The trends shown by the survey are very welcome and show a resumption of growth after a period of slowdown," said Robert Hough, chairman of the North West Chambers Economic Committee.

"The increased activity and confidence from the manufacturing industry was particularly welcome as consumer demand fed through and businesses worked off their high stock levels."

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