There is a lot going on in the world around us. Escalation of the conflict in the Middle East drove up energy prices in the past few weeks but in the last few days they have come back down again. Global trade policies remain unpredictable. These are things that weigh on the global economy. Elevated global uncertainty affects UK businesses too. We have heard that clearly through the Bank’s Agents – and I have heard it when I talk to business leaders from across the country. Expectations for export sales have softened, investment decisions have been delayed, and supply chains adjusted – though on investment the ... (full story)