ONE of the south west's largest sources of independent business funding is celebrating record-breaking figures.

Armada Finance, which is based in Devon, but which has several clients in south Wiltshire, says this indicates that concerns about business confidence in the region are unfounded.

The company provided its highest level of lending support in September, breaking all records in its 30-year history.

It has identified three growth areas that experienced a surge of investment in September.

Both the leisure and retail sectors demonstrated strong levels of investment, while increasing activity within the professional sector confirmed the current boom in the office-based service industry.

Managing director and founder Kirk Smith said: "The confidence of our clients is based on the relationship and support from their local Armada manager.

"Because businesses need more than a remote banking system to fulfil their requirements, Armada has developed a strong lending team to work with accountants, fund advisors and other professionals to encourage local enterprise."