SIGNS of economic recovery were plentiful in Bradford and surrounding areas due to pent-up demand from consumers when the region emerged from lockdown.

The optimistic findings from the second quarter of 2021 appeared in the latest edition of the regional Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey.

Now in its 32nd year, the largest and longest running regional business survey was conducted as the nation began a gradual release from restrictions.

It found signs of cautious optimism returning across most sectors.

Firms reported a surge in domestic sales activities as pent-up demand was unleashed after relaxing restrictions from April.

International sales remain subdued for many however, though stronger forward orders suggest the impact of these challenges may dissipate.

In the report, Mark Goldstone, Head of Policy and Representation for the West & North Yorkshire Chamber, said: "With the easing of restrictions and phased unlocking of the economy, quarter two saw a huge rebound for domestic sales and orders.

"Months of pent-up demand hit the market all at once."

Suzanne Watson, President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “There is significantly more positivity this quarter with nearly all of our measures on an upwards trajectory, domestic sales rebounded, investment intentions also more positive and there is strong evidence that employment is increasing across the region.

"However, there are some areas which we need to be mindful of, notably international sales activities remain subdued as trade with the EU continues to challenge firms.

"We also report significant increases in costs, driven largely by increasing prices for haulage and shipping along with raw material shortages driving up prices.

"Firms are increasingly expected to pass on these costs in the form of price increases.

"We must also be mindful of the high levels of indebtedness racked up by firms over the last year, and as loan repayments become due over the coming months this may put strain on sustaining the current levels of growth”

Sir Roger Marsh OBE DL, Chair, Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and Chair, NP11, said: “As we look forward to the lifting of all Covid restrictions and the economy reopening further, businesses are indicating increased confidence for the quarter ahead.

"Both manufacturing and service sectors have continued on an upward curve since the last report, with confidence in turnover and profits higher than pre-Covid levels for the first time.

"Confidence has been aided by a surge in domestic sales across all industries.

"Demand has been growing steadily since the end of 2020 with a significant increase reported in this quarter following months of pent-up demand.

"While this is great news, businesses – particularly within the manufacturing sector – have reported significant increases in input costs, the repercussions of which are yet to be felt.”