BUSINESS confidence among Britain’s manufacturers has fallen at the sharpest rate since the start of the pandemic, new research suggests.

A survey of over 300 companies found that escalating costs have affected their outlook on the economy.

Make UK said its study found that while recruitment and investment intentions were stable, the mood among companies has “darkened markedly” since the last survey in the summer when almost six in 10 companies saw a brighter economic outlook under a new government.