BUSINESSES in the east of England are feeling more buoyant, despite increasing gloom nationally, according to a survey. The latest Regional Trends Survey by the CBI and Experian found an increase in business confidence in the region against a decline nationally, as well as increased regional export optimism for the fifth quarter in a row.

BUSINESSES in the east of England are feeling more buoyant, despite increasing gloom nationally, according to a survey.

The latest Regional Trends Survey by the CBI and Experian found an increase in business confidence in the region against a decline nationally, as well as increased regional export optimism for the fifth quarter in a row.

But signs of an upturn in total orders from the previous quarter were unfulfilled, remaining unchanged, and a rise in export orders was offset by a fall in domestic orders.

Output was up strongly, consistent with the UK-wide picture, and this was expected to continue over the next quarter.

Employment remained on a downward trend, but the fall in the past three months was less severe that the national average. The trend was expected to continue at a much slower rate over the coming months.

Suzy Carter, the CBI's assistant regional director, said things looked positive for the next quarter, but job losses continued.

“Manufacturing activity has picked up at a rate not witnessed for some time, and there is a positive outlook for the next quarter,” she said.

“The rise in factory-gate prices will also have helped to ease pressure on profits margins.

“But even though things are looking up, jobs are still being shed as the sector continues to seek efficiencies in the face of stiff global competition.”