Business confidence in the UK has hit a 16 year low, as the effects of the ongoing credit crunch and rising food/energy prices are felt.
The Business Trends report, published by BDO Stoy Hayward, shows that the measure of business confidence over the next quarter declined to 97.7 in June from 98.3 in May, the lowest level since 1992.
Peter Hemington, BDO partner, is quoted in The Times:
"We've not seen short term business confidence plunge this low since Black Wednesday in 1992, indicating that UK businesses of all shapes and sizes are struggling to see any light at the end of the tunnel.
With confidence at a 16 year low, an interest rate rise next week aimed at curbing inflation could be crippling for business, and could worsen the effects of the economic slowdown. Our figures suggest that the MPC will be left with little choice next week other than to leave interest rates unchanged."
We have nothing to fear but fear itself, the gloom and doom will become self fulfilling prophecies if we are not careful.
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