BUSINESS confidence in the region rose last month, according to latest figures.

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking says its 'business barometer' indicated an overall rating rise of nine points.

Yorkshire businesses identified their top growth opportunities for the next six months as evolving their offering, investing in their teams and diversifying into new markets.

Steve Harris, regional director for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: "It is pleasing to see Yorkshire business confidence return to growth in August which follows four successive months of decline, and firms are continuing to focus on identifying growth opportunities to capitalise on.

"At times like these, businesses need to respond to pressures in the market by adapting their propositions and focusing on the areas that they know will be most profitable."