The UK hotel, food and beverage, and retail industries are facing the greatest pressure from rising manpower and energy costs.

The latest quarterly economic survey report released by the British Chamber of Commerce shows that in the first quarter of this year, despite some signs of slight recovery in British businesses, entrepreneur confidence remains fragile. 49% of the surveyed businesses stated that they expect an increase in turnover in the next 12 months, 31% said they expect turnover to remain unchanged, and 20% anticipate a decrease in turnover. Confidence is lowest among retail and catering businesses. 39% of catering businesses expect an increase in turnover, while 27% anticipate a decrease, and 41% of retail businesses expect an increase in turnover, while 29% expect a decrease.