State of the UK Economy

The first in a four-part series on the state of the UK economy looks at the economic health of business in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Features include:

Slow recovery at home for regional companies
Although there are opportunities arising for healthy enterprises, many have struggled to obtain finance and grow, writes Brian Groom

Beyond banks in search of funds
Some small and medium-sized businesses are finding new financing models a better fit, reports Jonathan Moules

UK north-south divide: geography is not a roadblock
Companies all over the UK face similar challenges in the pursuit of growth, writes Brian Groom

Regional companies succeed against the odds
How three regional companies – Anglian Water, United Dairy Farmers and Union Electric Steel UK – are working hard to grow following the recession

The UK economy at a glance
Brian Groom and Matthew Pountney report on regional prospects for business development and employment