Agents' Summary of Business Conditions - November 2006

We regularly publish a summary of reports compiled by our twelve regional Agents following discussions with at least 700 businesses across the UK every reporting period.

Published on 20 November 2006

Consumer spending growth was steady; sales of household durable goods picked up, but car sales weakened.
Activity in the housing market was little changed.
Export sales accelerated yet again; import growth remained strong.
Investment intentions rose to their highest level for 18 months.
Manufacturing output accelerated, as domestic demand strengthened.
Construction output grew strongly.
Service sector activity accelerated; professional and financial services were particularly strong.
The labour market tightened a little, but there was still a degree of slack overall.
Capacity pressures increased; pressures in the service sector were the highest for five years.
There was little evidence of higher pay settlements, but contacts were cautious about the upcoming pay round.
Input price inflation eased a little, reflecting lower energy prices.
Consumer price inflation was broadly unchanged.