BUSINESS confidence in the district is looking up with 70 per cent of local businesses expecting improved turnover within the next 12 months.

Other key economic indicators also look promising according to the quarterly survey of the Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce. Chairman of the chamber's Economic Policy Group, Mike Harrison, said: "This quarter's results are very encouraging and for the second quarter in succession we are seeing improvements."

In recruitment, sales, orders and investment plans. However, these buoyant results are relative to the low levels recorded in previous quarters. The stronger indicators are coming from the service sector as opposed to manufacturing."

He added: "Despite interest rates being at a 20 year low, one small rise in interest rates can shatter confidence and businesses are expressing concern about both interest rates and inflation."

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