Firms across the North-West of England are reporting business and profit growth despite uncertain economic times, claims a new report.

According to a survey by North-West financial recruiter Howarth Morris, 64% of participants have recorded profit growth in recent months and more than 71% are confident of growth through 2011.

The Howarth Morris ‘How’s the Market’ report invited 30 influential finance and HR personnel in the North-West to share detailed business information and also their opinions on the regional economy.

The study revealed that a third of those surveyed were more confident on the state of the economy now than 12 months ago. Also 68% believed there would either be an upturn in the region’s economic performance in 2011 or believed it would at least remain stable.