LONDON: British importers and exporters' confidence in the economy leaped in July, as positive economic data fuelled hopes for a return to strong economic growth. The Travelex Confidence Index (TCI) jumped 12 points in July to 116, from 104 in June. Analysts said the strong gains were driven by Quarter 2's GDP figure, as it showed the UK grew at its fastest pace in four years.

Sentiment was also bolstered by David Cameron's overseas trade mission, as nearly half of those interviewed (44%) expressed increased confidence in the Coalition's trade policies, compared to 35% in March.

Paddy Earnshaw, Director of Customer Relations at Travelex Global Business Payments commented, "July's sharper-than-expected increase in confidence will help improve importer and exporter morale and allay concerns about the medium to longer term growth outlook. It is particularly encouraging to see the new Government's international trade efforts injecting confidence into the UK's SME importers and exporters."

Despite their renewed confidence in the UK economy, Earnshaw believes it is too early to say whether their optimism has been accurately placed, as many uncertainties remain for British importers and exporters. "Even as the UK recovery broadens, June's dip in confidence suggested businesses are fearful of austerity measures and the impact they will have on consumer buying power. I would expect confidence to remain volatile, as harsher fiscal tightening approaches."

The deteriorating picture in the U.S. may also crimp confidence in the upcoming months, as 84% of respondents are now feeling the threat to business development comes from the current health of the global economy. The figures underpin growing concerns in the financial markets that the U.S. recovery has slowed and may lead to a double dip recession.

Despite the concerns over U.S. recovery, expectations for the U.K. economy, international trading conditions and business development were all on the up, according to Travelex Global Business Payments. Its Expectations Index rose 9 points in July to 103.

Research for the Travelex Confidence Index was carried out between 12th and 26th July.

To receive a copy of the July report of the Travelex Confidence Index, email Jessica.buttress@travelex.com

Notes to editors

View Travelex releases online at http://www.travelexbusiness.com/uk/about/media-releases

About Travelex Global Business Payments

Travelex Global Business Payments is a global foreign exchange specialist providing the payment and receipt of domestic and international funds for businesses of all sizes. For more than 30 years, Travelex Global Business Payments has provided clients with sophisticated market knowledge, leading edge technologies and practical and innovative solutions tailored to individual requirements. Every year, Travelex Global Business Payments processes payments around the world over 35,000 businesses to 1 million beneficiaries

The Travelex Confidence Index (TCI), released monthly by Travelex Global Business Payments, provides commentators with a key indicator on international trade and economic conditions. Conducted by independent research company TNS-RI, the Travelex Confidence Index tracks the views and sentiments of the UK's SME importers and exporters across industry sectors and UK regions. The TCI is the only piece of research available that regularly tracks the UK's SME importers and exporters. Visit http://www.travelexbusiness.com/confidence-index

    
    Media enquiries

    Jessica Buttress
    Head of PR for Travelex Global Business Payments UK
    +44(0)208-415-4204
    Jessica.buttress@travelex.com