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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Business confidence at decade low | Business confidence at decade low |
| (about 8 hours later) | |
| Business confidence in some sectors has fallen to its lowest rate in 10 years, according to a quarterly survey. | Business confidence in some sectors has fallen to its lowest rate in 10 years, according to a quarterly survey. |
| The Scottish Chambers of Commerce warned that lower orders and higher costs were now affecting companies across the board. | The Scottish Chambers of Commerce warned that lower orders and higher costs were now affecting companies across the board. |
| Although the downturn is widespread, the chambers insisted it was still relatively shallow. | Although the downturn is widespread, the chambers insisted it was still relatively shallow. |
| Manufacturing firms are reporting falling demand for their goods, which is at its weakest for seven years. | Manufacturing firms are reporting falling demand for their goods, which is at its weakest for seven years. |
| High energy and transport costs are hitting businesses in manufacturing, construction, retail and tourism. | High energy and transport costs are hitting businesses in manufacturing, construction, retail and tourism. |
| 'Positive growth' | 'Positive growth' |
| Commenting on the survey, Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "This survey clearly demonstrates that the lack of business confidence apparent in the early part of this year is now being translated into a general slowing down of the Scottish economy. | Commenting on the survey, Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "This survey clearly demonstrates that the lack of business confidence apparent in the early part of this year is now being translated into a general slowing down of the Scottish economy. |
| "However, it is important to put these results into perspective. Scotland still has a positive rate of growth, employment remains robust and wage demands are steady for the moment. | |
| "Our manufacturing sector has seen export sales holding up, with domestic orders being reported as level or rising by a majority of businesses." | "Our manufacturing sector has seen export sales holding up, with domestic orders being reported as level or rising by a majority of businesses." |
| Ms Cameron said that the underlying pressures on the Scottish economy were "largely internationally based". | Ms Cameron said that the underlying pressures on the Scottish economy were "largely internationally based". |
| She added that she was looking for action on fuel taxes from Westminster and an acceleration of public procurement opportunities from the Scottish Government. | She added that she was looking for action on fuel taxes from Westminster and an acceleration of public procurement opportunities from the Scottish Government. |