Black Country businesses continue to thrive despite challenging climate
Businesses across the Black Country have seen their UK sales rising in recent months, a new economic survey has found.
The hike in domestic sales and orders has boosted business confidence, with 70 per cent of firms taking part in the latest Black Country Chamber survey predicting a rise in turnover over the next 12 months.
Of the businesses that took part in the second 2017 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), 49 per cent reported an increase in domestic sales – a rise of seven per cent on the previous quarter. 42 per cent had also seen a rise in domestic orders.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber, said: "Uncertainty has continued to dominate the political landscape in recent months, yet despite this businesses across the Black Country have remained steadfast in their ability to thrive under challenging conditions.
"The fact that almost half of businesses surveyed within the region have seen a rise in sales and orders is testament to their tenacity and great news for the economic growth of the local area.
“With the General Election having taken place and Brexit negotiations now underway, it is now important to focus on harnessing a stable environment that is conducive to the growth and development of the local business community.
"Therefore, over the coming months we will be working closely with our colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce and throughout the national Chamber network to ensure that there is clarity coming from Government in relation to Brexit and the impact that will have on businesses moving forwards.”
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is a survey that is conducted each quarter, the results of which contribute towards and are compiled by the British Chambers of Commerce to form one of the largest independent economic surveys of businesses in the UK. For more information and to get involved please visit www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/qes.
