Robust businesses in Yorkshire are outperforming the national average, according to a survey.

The West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly economic survey (QES) showed the region’s firms put up a strong show for the third quarter of this year.

In terms of businesses trading both domestically and internationally, there have been reported increased sales and order books, with the latter benefitting from currency fluctuations.

More companies are also looking beyond Europe to find new places to trade, as the Brexit negotiations continue.

The upturn in Yorkshire’s fortunes are across different types of businesses, with both manufacturers and service sectors showing positive signs.

The service industry in the region has reported domestic orders rising for the fourth consecutive quarter.

But the pace of job creation is levelling out, with significant numbers of firms looking to recruit but having difficulties finding suitable staff.

In another boost for Yorkshire’s economic prospects, capital investment in the manufacturing sector is now at its highest level since the recession, says the Chamber. Meanwhile, training investment also increased in both sectors of the economy.

The positive signs were reflected in confidence levels, as turnover and profit expectations were raised in both services and manufacturing, with the latter’s profitability back to levels last seen in 2015.

Roger Marsh, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership chairman, said: “The results are cause for renewed optimism as it finds businesses in a generally positive mood with both domestic and exporting activity increasing for services and manufacturing firms. This is encouraging to see and shows that levels of enthusiasm remain high among City Region businesses and the results suggest that this is translating into increased employment and business investment, which will help continue this momentum into the future.”

Mark Goldstone, head of policy and representation at the Chamber, said: “The survey results show the region’s economy to be holding up very well.

“In fact, our results are more positive than the national findings, showing that Yorkshire’s economy is robust, lively, dynamic and confident. We now have one eye on the autumn budget, where we will be asking the Chancellor to deliver measures that support business growth, stimulate investment and provide confidence and reassurance.”