North West profit warnings down year-on-year – but 'subdued consumer sentiment' goes on

North West listed firms issued six profit warnings in the third quarter, a decrease from the previous year but double the number from the preceding quarter. Four of these warnings came from consumer-facing businesses, indicating ongoing subdued consumer sentiment due to economic uncertainty. Nationally, UK listed companies issued 64 profit warnings in the third quarter, a decline from the same period in 2024. The primary driver for these warnings was policy change and geopolitical uncertainty, a factor cited in 47% of warnings, reaching its highest recorded percentage in 25 years. Additionally, contract and order cancellations or delays affected 34% of companies, while 22% experienced tariff-related impacts such as weaker demand and supply chain disruptions. Despite the year-on-year decrease in North West profit warnings, EY-Parthenon highlights the region's business community's resilience amidst challenges like inflation and geopolitical uncertainty. However, consumer sentiment remains a significant concern, with consumer-facing businesses being disproportionately affected, mirroring a national trend... download the app to read more