Business bounces back in January

Regional business activity in England recovered strongly in January after the December snowfall, according to Lloyds Banking Group's regional purchasing managers' index.

Output and work levels picked up in all nine areas of England last month, with the South-west topping the regional growth table, followed by Yorkshire and Humber. Employment levels were also up, though rising raw material inflation was causing some businesses problems.

John Maltby, at Lloyds TSB Commercial, said: "January's data shows a healthy rebound in business activity after the snow at the end of last year."