North and north-east businesses have a raft of economic data to chew over this week.
Inflation figures on Tuesday and the latest unemployment/employment statistics on Wednesday will no doubt have politicians in London and Edinburgh arguing over the current state of the nation.
And the Bank of England will announce whether interest rates are going up on Thursday, giving us all another indicator of where the country’s economy may be heading.
For many businesses, the direction of travel is about as clear as mud – and that’s unlikely to change until they find out more about what life will look like after Brexit.
Every survey seeking to capture the mood of businesses and work out what’s in store for them seems to come up with a common theme.
One of the latest, from business and financial adviser Grant Thornton, today highlights Brexit as a key factor behind concerns inhibiting the growth of firms throughout Scotland.
Fashion chain Next is often cited as one of those “barometers” of the High Street, so north and north-east retailers should dive for cover on Friday, when it announces full-year results.
Market experts are already pencilling in an 8% fall in profits and a drop of that magnitude will only add to growing concerns for UK retailing after a generally dire start to the year.
Toys R Us and Maplin are both currently in administration, while Debenhams, Mothercare and Carpetright have all recently issued profit warnings.
If comfort food (news) is what you’re after, then look out for the Press and Journal on Friday, when we’ll be revealing all the winners of the North East Scotland Food and Drink Awards 2018.
