Business News Round Up (03/09/19)

UK factory output ‘falls at fastest pace for seven years’

UK manufacturing contracted at its fastest rate in seven years in August, the purchasing mangers’ index (PMI) fell to 47.4 from 48 in July, with a figure below 50 indicating the sector is contracting. Effects of a global economic downturn and clients moving supply chains aboard amid fears of a no-deal Brexit were among some of the factors affecting manufacturing firms.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49549149

Cautious shoppers deliver fresh blow to UK economy

The UK retail sector suffered another blow in August as overall retail sales fell 0.5% on a like-for-like basis, according to a report by the British Retail Consortium and KPMG. Food items declined less than other items, however this was cancelled out by a reduction in non-food sales.

https://www.ft.com/content/437ae2b2-cd85-11e9-99a4-b5ded7a7fe3f

Scottish employment growth second lowest in UK last year

Figures compiled by Aaron Wallis, a sales recruitment firm, found that the number of jobs in Scotland fell by 25,000 to 2.69 million last years, a 0.9% decrease compared to 2017. Recent figures show Scotland experienced the second lowest growth after the East Midlands which registered a 2.2% drop during 2018.

https://www.insider.co.uk/news/scottish-employment-growth-second-lowest-19165223

Connecting Britain to launch at major one-day conference

Business and political leaders in the North West have launched a campaign, Connecting Britain, to highlight the region’s need for major investment in transport infrastructure and the importance of the HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail.

https://www.built-environment-networking.com/connecting-britain-launches/