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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| New optimism for tourism business | New optimism for tourism business |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has said that many companies could have a better than expected summer. | The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has said that many companies could have a better than expected summer. |
| A survey for the business organisation has suggested that confidence was returning to many firms. | A survey for the business organisation has suggested that confidence was returning to many firms. |
| In tourism, optimism was the highest for 18 months and in wholesale distribution, the results were the best since 2006. | In tourism, optimism was the highest for 18 months and in wholesale distribution, the results were the best since 2006. |
| However, the report has said profits remain under pressure and the worst of the recession may not be over. | However, the report has said profits remain under pressure and the worst of the recession may not be over. |
| The chamber's chief executive, Liz Cameron, said: "The sharp decline in the Scottish economy over the previous nine months appears to be coming to an end and there are more encouraging signs across most sectors." | The chamber's chief executive, Liz Cameron, said: "The sharp decline in the Scottish economy over the previous nine months appears to be coming to an end and there are more encouraging signs across most sectors." |
| The survey has highlighted positive changes for tourism businesses. | The survey has highlighted positive changes for tourism businesses. |
| Although visitor numbers were down, the fall was not as sharp as in the previous two quarters. | Although visitor numbers were down, the fall was not as sharp as in the previous two quarters. |
| Occupancy rates rose from 54.5% to 71.5% although the chamber said there had been heavy discounting of room rates. | Occupancy rates rose from 54.5% to 71.5% although the chamber said there had been heavy discounting of room rates. |
| The encouraging signs in tourism led to an increase in optimism among firms taking the measure to its highest rate for 18 months. | The encouraging signs in tourism led to an increase in optimism among firms taking the measure to its highest rate for 18 months. |
| Wholesale distribution companies also appeared more confident than they have been since 2006, with both sales flow and cash flows showing an improvement. | Wholesale distribution companies also appeared more confident than they have been since 2006, with both sales flow and cash flows showing an improvement. |
| According to the survey, there was also a better than expected performance from manufacturing companies. | According to the survey, there was also a better than expected performance from manufacturing companies. |
| Although orders from Scotland and the rest of the UK were still weak, they were better than the previous two quarters and export orders rose 1.6%. | Although orders from Scotland and the rest of the UK were still weak, they were better than the previous two quarters and export orders rose 1.6%. |
| Many firms still expected to cut jobs over the next three months, although at a slower rate. | Many firms still expected to cut jobs over the next three months, although at a slower rate. |
| Worst over | Worst over |
| Few companies reported difficulty in recruiting. | Few companies reported difficulty in recruiting. |
| The number of respondents increasing pay in the 2nd quarter ranged from 0% in construction and to 35% in manufacturing. | The number of respondents increasing pay in the 2nd quarter ranged from 0% in construction and to 35% in manufacturing. |
| The average pay increases ranged from 2.5% in manufacturing to 3.9% in retail. | The average pay increases ranged from 2.5% in manufacturing to 3.9% in retail. |
| Despite all the positive signs, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce is not concluding that the worst of the recession is over; but that the first stage may be ending. | Despite all the positive signs, the Scottish Chambers of Commerce is not concluding that the worst of the recession is over; but that the first stage may be ending. |
| Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said: "After the economic shocks and storms of the recession, it would be too much to say one economic swallow makes a summer. | Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said: "After the economic shocks and storms of the recession, it would be too much to say one economic swallow makes a summer. |
| "However, today's report at least holds some cautious signs of the resilience of our economy and our ability to adapt to meet the many challenges we face. | "However, today's report at least holds some cautious signs of the resilience of our economy and our ability to adapt to meet the many challenges we face. |
| "Any sign, however tentative, that confidence is returning to the business sector should be welcomed as it will play a big part in our ability to rebound from recession." | "Any sign, however tentative, that confidence is returning to the business sector should be welcomed as it will play a big part in our ability to rebound from recession." |