Mixed report on North's business health

A report produced for Ulster Bank by NTC Research has indicated that business conditions in the North improved at the end of the second quarter.

The study shows the rates of growth of output and new business accelerating between May and June.

However, the North's private sector economy continued to expand at a weaker rate than the average for the UK, as it has every month since October 2004.

Chief Economist at Ulster Bank Pat McArdle said: "The June PMI was the best this year and it is encouraging to see that the employment reading was modestly positive in the second quarter whereas it was flat in Q1.

"At the same time, the margin squeeze which is causing Northern Ireland to underperform remains severe. Input costs are easing but Northern Ireland, in common with only two other UK regions, is now reporting falls in prices charged."