ITV Business Club creating jobs
The vast majority of businesses in the region have no confidence in the Chancellor, George Osborne, according to an exclusive survey by ITV Tyne Tees & Border.
But despite that, they're growing more optimistic about the state of the economy, and more of the region's firms are expecting to create jobs than cut them.
The research was carried out by the Newcastle-based software giant Sage, which is a member of the ITV Business Club. Our members say they've also created new jobs this year, and plan to create more:
Businesses call for end to 'employment tax'
Firms in the region say a cut in employers' National Insurance contributions is top of their wish list from the government.
Majority of firms 'have no confidence' in Chancellor
Most business people in the region are unimpressed with the government's handling of the economy, our survey says.