This figure is the highest the region has seen in more than a year, with the North West outperforming the UK average of -11.1. The ICAEW report indicates that North West businesses are increasingly optimistic for the year ahead, with projected growth of 5.1 per cent. However, employment growth in the North West has slowed to 1.1 per cent. Mr Lamont said: "Despite the dip in employment growth, companies are still optimistic about recruitment over the next year, forecasting an employment growth of around two per cent, which is better than the national projections." Mr Lamont said: "The fact that North West businesses continue to plan and invest in their future is very encouraging.