Occupiers are optimistic

The improved outlook from the property sector is reflected in positive views by business in Yorkshire and Humberside for future growth.

A survey by Santander, the Spanish bank that owns a number of British banks, showed that directors of businesses in the region with a turnover of up to £20 million are expecting, on average, to double their annual turnover (109% growth) in the
next five years.

In the shorter term, businesses are concentrating on survival rather than actively pursuing growth. On the plus side, 40% of the businesses in the region are investing in research and development, which Santander said is the highest of any region in the UK.

Santander’s Steve Pateman said: “The country is reliant on these businesses to drive economic recovery and it bodes well that they are confident in their growth potential.”