Business News Round Up (11/11/19)


Scottish job cuts accelerate as confidence declines

Scotland’s private sector economy contracted in October amid Brexit related uncertainty new research suggests. The Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) report revealed private sector activity contracted as a result of a decline customer confidence and demand, a drop in manufacturing output and a fall in the employment rate

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/scotland/scottish-job-cuts-accelerate-as-confidence-declines-2dsmcmj69

Manchester employment growth among the highest in Europe

Employment growth in Manchester is growing at a faster rate, proportionally, than London, according to a new report. The Innovation Geographies report by JLL revealed that employment growth in the Manchester region has increased by 30.7% since 2016, with its ability to attract talent and harness innovation driving growth.

https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2051007-manchester-employment-growth-among-highest-in-europe

One in ten units now empty despite rise in shoppers

The vacancy rate of Scottish units on the high street has increased to 10.3% despite a rise in shoppers, according to the latest data. One in ten shops are lying empty, with retail parks suffering the biggest decline.

https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2019/11/shoppers-hit-the-streets-as-one-in-ten-units-now-empty/

Contractions in new work and output across North West soften during October

The fall in business activity and business confidence has decreased at a slower pace in the three months to October, according to the latest NatWest Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) report. Rising from 46.4 points in September to 49 in October, the private sector experienced a marginal decline in output, with companies blaming Brexit uncertainty and decreased consumer demand.

https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/2050964-contractions-in-new-work-and-output-across-north-west-soften-during-october