Latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds Bank shows 48% expect an improvement in trading in the next 12 months – 10 points lower than six months ago. Tony McDonough reports

Growing uncertainty over Brexit is hitting confidence among Merseyside and North West exporters – although sales continue to grow, a new survey reveals,

According to the latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds Bank 48% of exporters in the region expect their ability to compete in international markets to improve over the next 12 months, 10 points lower than six months ago.

However, 40% said they had seen their overseas sales grow over the last six months, compared with just 22% who said they had fallen.

A third (33%) of exporters said sales to Europe had grown during the same period. A quarter (26%) said they had grown trade with the US and 22% had increased sales to China.

And despite facing continued uncertainty, 48% expect their overseas sales to increase over the next six months, compared with just 16% that expect international sales to fall. However, 16% of North West exporters also said they still haven’t reviewed their trading plans more than two years after the Brexit referendum.

Martyn Kendrick, regional director for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “We have to recognise that the Brexit negotiations can affect how businesses are feeling and this can change.

“But, despite the slight dip, it’s heartening to see that a large number of North West exporters demonstrate confidence towards their trade prospects, especially in light of continued domestic and international uncertainty.

“However, while the ongoing negotiations around the UK’s departure from the EU and its potential impact are an important point on most businesses’ agendas, it’s maybe a cause for concern that 16% of North West exporters may not have reviewed their own strategy since the referendum two years ago.”