Business confidence rebounds for Christmas

Business confidence bounced back to rise by seven points to 17% in December, the highest level since July and the first increase in sentiment seen since May of this year. However, confidence levels remain lower than December 2021 (40%) and the long-term average (28%). 

The rebound in business confidence was driven by the largest monthly rise in economic optimism since April 2021, with 43% (up from 37%) of businesses more optimistic towards the economy and 35% (down from 40%) less optimistic. This resulted in a net balance of 8%, a rise of 11 points from November. 

The majority of firms were more positive about the prospects of better festive trading as well as their own trading prospects for the year ahead, with 45% (up from 43% last month) forecasting a stronger trading environment and 18% (down from 19%) expecting weaker activity. 

Firms hiring intentions improved slightly in line with business confidence, recovering from an 18-month low last month. Of businesses surveyed, 41% (up from 38%) expect to increase staffing levels over the coming year, while 25% (up from 24%) expect to reduce their headcount, resulting in a net balance of 16% (up two points). 

Wage expectations for next year remain high, with the proportion of firms anticipating pay growth of 3% or more, up one point to 26%. However, this is lower than the recent three-monthly average of 26%, which may point to less vigorous wage growth next year. 

Rising costs are still impacting businesses, with firms’ expectations for prices of their own goods or services reaching a new high in December. Sixty two percent of businesses (up from 60%) expect to charge more for their goods or services next year, with only four percent (up from 3%) planning to lower prices. 

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence has received a boost in the run up to Christmas as firms anticipate a better festive trading period than last year. While firms report being hopeful for a more successful 2023, inflation and the risk of an economic downturn remain the biggest concerns for businesses, with rising costs evidenced by the number of firms expecting to raise prices.

“Wage growth is expected to remain high for now as retaining existing staff and attracting new talent will continue to be priorities for many businesses going into next year.” 

Regional and sector insights

Confidence increased across two-thirds of the UK’s regions and nations, with strong rebounds seen in the North West (40%, up 31 points), North East (34%, up 24 points) and Yorkshire & the Humber (22%, up 19 points) as well as in the East Midlands (28%, up 16 points). 

In contrast, confidence fell in the West Midlands (nine percent, down 10 points), London (eight percent, down 14 points), Northern Ireland (4%, down 15 points) and Scotland (15%, down nine points). 

The manufacturing sector reversed a six-month trend of falling confidence, with a nine-point rise to 13%. Confidence in construction and services also increased by nine points to 29% and 18% respectively. However, retail confidence fell slightly, by two points to 13%.  

Paul Gordon, Managing Director for SME and Mid Corporates, Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see the confidence of most regions and nations rallying as we end the year. This has been a tough time for businesses with rising costs and much uncertainty, but some firms are becoming more confident as we head in to 2023.  

“While wage expectations start to temper, prices continue to rise and keeping a close watch on cash flow remains a priority for businesses, no matter what industry you operate in. For those who are in need of support or are looking for advice, especially into the festive season and new year, at Lloyds Bank we are by your side in times of uncertainty.”