Despite six months of tax hikes and economic headwinds, 93pc of private businesses in the region believe they can deliver growth this year, according to KPMG’s mid-year Private Enterprise Barometer check-in.

KPMG's London office (Image: KPMG) Business leaders in the East say diversification is key to unlocking growth, with nearly three-quarters (71pc) set to expand their service offering.

However, inflation remained a concern for almost half of the businesses, followed by the prospect of more tax rises in the upcoming autumn budget.

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