Business confidence in Wales was the highest of any 海角视频 nation or region for a second month in a row in July according to new research Lloyds.
While its business barometer shows that Welsh firms鈥 optimism in the economy dipped two points to 66%, their optimism in their own trading prospects rose 20 points to 86%. Combined this gives a headline confidence reading of 76%, up from 67% in June.
A net balance of 68% of businesses in Wales also expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up nine points on last month.
Looking ahead to the next six months, Welsh businesses identified their top target areas for growth as investing in their team, for example through training (59%), evolving their offering, for instance by introducing new products or services (38%) and introducing new technology, such as AI and automation (35%).
Overall 海角视频 business confidence increased one point in July to 52% 鈥 its highest level since 2015 and the third consecutive monthly increase.
Firms鈥 optimism in their own trading prospects rose one point to 58%, while their confidence in the wider economy increased two points to 47%.
The north-east of England (73%) was the second-most confident of any 海角视频 nation or region after Wales.
July saw the service sector鈥檚 confidence increase by 11 points to 61%, one of the main drivers behind this month鈥檚 overall increase in business confidence, indicating strong momentum in the sector. This gain was partially offset by declines in other areas, with retail firms down eight points, manufacturers down four points and the construction sector down six points.
Samantha Noble, area director for Wales at Lloyds, said: 鈥淭hese results reflect the wealth of innovation, creativity and ambition that characterises Wales鈥 economy.
鈥淎s businesses look to build on this outlook, we鈥檒l continue to be ready to support their next steps 鈥 whether that involves helping them make new investments in their team, or introduce new, cutting-edge technology.鈥
Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: 鈥淭his continued upward trend reflects a growing sense of cautious optimism across the 海角视频 economy, underpinned by both improved trading prospects and broader economic sentiment. Despite ongoing cost pressures, firms are positioning for growth, particularly in services where hiring and investment plans are accelerating.
鈥淥verall business confidence remains buoyant, with firms well placed to take advantage of opportunities such as new markets, adopting new technology and workforce expansion amid evolving market conditions.鈥
