APRIL saw a rise in turnover for Darlington businesses for the first time in three months.
This and a fractional increase in confidence levels indicates businesses are continuing to remain positive and determined to succeed, said Peter Armitage, a partner with Clive Owen and Co.
Mr Armitage evaluated the Business Index for April, which compares and assesses current business performance with that of January 1999.
Nationally, recent announcements by Marks and Spencer, that a "significant turnaround" in performance had allowed it to reveal plans for 22 new stores contrasted with British Airways, he said.
The airline has reported its worst results since privatisation 15 years ago, with losses of £200m, he said.
"The fall in employees for Darlington businesses echoes recent announcements made by British American Tobacco to close its Peterlee plant and shed seven jobs at its Darlington operation."
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