The latest national Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) for Q4 2024 shows a significant decline in sentiment from the previous quarter, with confidence only just remaining positive, as businesses digest the implications of the proposed tax increases in the Autumn Budget and domestic sales growth eased.

Dr Kim Johnston, an experienced senior executive with a knowledge of the private, public, and charitable sectors, has joined ICAEW as its new Regional Director for the North East, Yorkshire and Humber regions. She takes over from Dr James Callaghan, who has retired.