BUSINESSES in the South-West continue to feel confident due to the improving economy.

The ICAEW/Grant Thornton UK Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) showed businesses reported turnover growth of 4.7% over the past 12 months, up from 2.9% annual growth at the same point a year ago.

Jon Blake, ICAEW regional director for the South-West, said: “South-West communities have been devastated by storms and flooding.

"The recovery effort will no doubt affect local businesses and their employees but the economic acceleration will hopefully ensure this is less damaging than it otherwise would have been.”