Optimism in regard to the UK economy amongst business leaders rose slightly to -58 in March 2025 from -64 in February, the Institute of Directors (IoD) recently found, but still ‘remains low’.
Confidence in business leaders’ own organisations also increased to +5 from +2 in February.
The IoD found that the biggest concerns among business leaders were labour costs, supply chain inflation and energy costs.
Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the IoD, said: ‘The confidence of business leaders across the UK remained depressed in March, with this month’s improvement still leaving the index around Covid pandemic lows. With the NICs and minimum wage increases now coming into effect, headcount and investment intentions remain well below the average of the last decade, albeit a little higher than they were.
‘And business leaders are highly concerned about costs – with three quarters saying that employment costs are the biggest cost driver they face.’
10/04/2025
View all >
06/01/2026
HMRC offers time to help pay tax bills
HMRC is sending self assessment taxpayers a reminder that help is available to manage their tax bill.
READ MORE
UK Treasury to regulate cryptocurrency
The UK will bring cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, into a regulatory framework with legislation due by 2027.
Latest guidance for employers
HMRC has published the latest issue of the Employer Bulletin.
Sign up to keep in touch to receive our latest news and industry updates.
* *
Yes, I would like to receive email updates providing me with the latest finance news, advice guides and details of future events.