CONFIDENCE in the Swindon region has taken a slight dip, according to the most recent sounding out of boardrooms.

Business advisors Deloitte have reported that while business optimism is down, manufacturing, construction and food are feeling better.

Recent rises in interest rates and a spate of political uncertainties have seen the number of South West boardrooms feeling more optimistic about the economy dip from last month's figure of 19 per cent to just seven per cent.

The majority of South West boardrooms have not changed their view of business prospects in the past month, while only 10 per cent say they feel less confident than a month ago.

The number of South West business directors who believe that the South West is doing better than the rest of the UK has declined to 21 per cent from last month's figure of 31 per cent.