Business confidence across the Bradford district remains fragile and is lagging behind the national trend as firms report only a ‘steady’ improvement in their fortunes.

Bradford Chamber of Commerce’s latest quarterly economic survey shows that, while more local businesses are achieving more orders and sales, that has not yet boosted confidence levels.

The latest findings show there was a slight easing in cashflow problems at several companies in the final quarter of 2013, with some believing they will soon be able to raise prices. Some service sector businesses are looking to recruit more staff.

But the number of businesses working at full capacity has remained static and overall investment intentions remain unchanged.

External costs, particularly manufacturers’ raw materials and ‘other overheads’ for the service sector, remain a worry for many companies.

Chamber president Paul Mackie said: “Businesses need to feel more at ease with the way they can and will perform in the future and that comes through confidence and more certainty.

“There is still a lot of volatility and pressure that combines to undermine business performance, hence the steady rather than spectacular recovery. In some ways, that’s OK, as long as they can keep bringing in the orders, manage cashflow and plan for the future.”

The survey fieldwork was completed before developer Westfield announced a start date for the Broadway centre and concerns about the city’s poor image, often related to the city centre, is one of the key reasons holding them back.

Survey sponsor Steven Gash, practice chairman at Cleckheaton and Keighley accountants Clough & Company, said: “We’ve seen some improvements in the latter half of 2013, albeit patchy in some ways, but that’s indicative of where we are in relation to the impact of the recession.

“We have to remember the terrible and dynamic impact it has had, not just nationally but internationally too.

“If the pace of recovery can pick up a little as we begin the new year, then that’s a good sign.”

Nationally, however, findings by the British Chambers of Commerce and manufacturers body EEF, paint a much brighter picture.

The BCC’s quarterly poll of 8,000 firms reports fresh evidence that the UK is growing at a solid pace and will probably strengthen further in the short term. However, concerns remain over the ability of businesses to access finance so they can expand.

EEF said manufacturers also expect an improved outlook this year which should lead to growth in exports and a turnaround in investment, although energy costs are a concern.

EEF found a more positive outlook than the muted picture of a year ago, with growth expected in all markets and across all sectors and sizes.