(IHS Markit) NatWest UK nations and regions posted increases in business activity in September despite a record output price inflation.
Wales posted the fastest increase in business activity, with the index at 57.1, followed by West Midlands at 56.3, Scotland at 56.1, while London recorded an activity index of 55.9.
The uptick in business activity in NatWest happened despite supply chain and labor issues which curtailed activity.
Some other areas lost business momentum, with the North East ranking at the bottom with an activity index of 51.0.
Demand improved across all areas, except Northern Ireland. Wales had the strongest rate of new orders for the third straight month, while the South East had the fastest increase.
Job creation cooled in September, although it increased in a majority of regions and nations, except North East where the pace was little changed from August.
Cost pressures persisted, with seven of the 12 areas posting record-high prices. Northern Ireland had the fastest input price inflation, while London posted the lowest rate.
Business expectations in the coming year were strongly positive in all regions and nations, with South East firms most optimistic.
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