THERE are signs that the economy in and around Middlewich may be improving, according to experts based in the town.

The latest local economy update, produced by South and East Cheshire TEC, shows that businesses in the boroughs of Congleton, Macclesfield and Crewe & Nantwich are faring better than those in other parts of the north west and the rest of the UK.

The quarterly update is based on an economic survey carried out by the Chambers of Commerce and Enterprise in South and East Cheshire.

It reports that the area is leading the field in manufacturing export sales and orders, as well as home orders, although only a small proportion of companies are expecting to increase their workforces in the next three months.

Most of the companies which took part in the survey registered a note of optimism, although manufacturers are still struggling compared to those in the service sector.

Both sectors, however, are anticipating an increase in profitability and turnover during the next 12 months.

TEC researcher Louise Lockton said: "High employment and low unemployment rates remain important features in the South and East Cheshire labour market.

"However, the reduction in the amount of vacancies available appears to have eased some of the pressure on employers, who are now reporting fewer recruitment difficulties overall.

"The situation for jobseekers remains positive, with 3.5 claimants to every one job centre vacancy, and unemployment rates are relatively low compared with other areas."

To obtain a copy of the local economy update, or for more information, contact John Barber at South and East Cheshire TEC's Middlewich office on 01606 734259.

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