Trading remains tough for many Bradford businesses – but confidence is picking up in both the manufacturing and service sectors, according to the latest quarterly economic survey from the city’s main business body.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce said the improving picture was underpinned by signs of increased investment and less pressure to increase prices, which had created ‘a more benign business setting’ in the first three months of 2014.

The Chamber said the recent Budget would support business and growth – but its impact would not be felt until next year.

The reassurances given by Chancellor George Osborne in the Budget could be helping to create a ‘‘feelgood factor’ among businesses – but some firms were still struggling to fill order books Paul Mackie, president of Bradford Chamber, said: “We’re finally beginning to lose the anchor that was the recession as more and more signs emerge of brighter prospects; but there’s still much ebbing and flowing when you dig down into the business community.

“The measures of the Budget aimed at helping the economy to grow have been applauded and we want see more of that come the Autumn Statement, plus initiatives in between, we’d hope.

“Signs of plans to invest and increasing labour market activity are all good news, especially given that sales and orders are often still hard to secure for many of us. The announcement in the Budget about supporting makers and doers chimes well with Bradford’s Producer City plans, too.”

Former chamber president Roland Clark, of Cleckheaton and Keighley accountants Clough & Company, which sponsors the survey, added: “It is to be hoped that the local economy can now begin to consolidate the recent stability that we have had and kick on from here to show more dynamism and buoyancy. Other things are happening in and around the city to create the better conditions needed to thrive and so we believe that 2014 will be a good year for Bradford now.”

According to the new West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, which includes Bradford, Leeds and York chambers, overall confidence among around 900 businesses was high.

There was further growth among service sector businesses, with confidence improving among manufacturers, with 50 per cent reporting increased recruitment over the past quarter – although finding skilled manual and technical staff remained difficult.

Business rates and increased competition remained key concerns for business owners and managers.

Mark Goldstone, head of business representation and policy, said: “The manufacturing sector is hugely important to this region with the value of exports at £17.5 billion last year. We must ensure they have access to the widest possible talent base.

“The Chamber will continue to work with policy-makers, local authorities and education providers to ensure there is sufficient interest generated among young people, parents, schools and teachers about the opportunities a manufacturing career can offer.”