Research from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) points to a sentiment being at its strongest since the final quarter of 2021 and double its historic norm. A survey of regional company leaders found profits grew by 4.7% in the 12 months to Q1 2024 - the highest rate of growth of any UK region. Firms suggested that as inflationary pressures ease, they expect profits to increase by 5.9% in the year ahead.