BUSINESS confidence in Scotland rose during June, according to a study.
The latest barometer from Bank of Scotland found companies were 24% positive about their prospects, nine points higher than in May.
Overall confidence across the UK fell by six to 29%.
Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “It’s encouraging to see the gradual rise in confidence across the country leading to a boost to recruitment plans throughout Scotland.
“Given the economic uncertainty the country’s businesses are facing, rising confidence in one month does not mean it’s plain sailing for anyone.
“But the fact that the underlying trend is positive suggests firms are slowly becoming more comfortable with uncertainty as the new normal.
“The challenge we face now is to keep these levels steady and support the rise in economic optimism to ensure businesses reach their full growth potential.”
Companies in Scotland report confidence in their business prospects at 29% and economic optimism at 18%.
Hiring intentions show a net balance of 16% expecting to hire more staff during the next year, up 10 points on last month.
Across Scotland, 16% say they feel Brexit is having a negative impact on their expectations for business activity, down nine points on May.
The study also reveals confidence in Scotland rose by two points during the second quarter of 2018.
Companies were 23% positive about their prospects moving forward between April and June.
The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.
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