Small business confidence regained some ground between the second and the third quarters of the year, but is still in negative territory for the sixth quarter in a row, according to FSB’s latest Small Business Index for Q3, in partnership with Google.

Decision not to hike rates will give small firms a breathing space, as small firms look to Autumn Statement for measures to help.

Policymakers have a golden opportunity to help small firms make the most of tourism season this summer as the holiday season kicks off, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB.)