Business-owners in Sussex are among the most confident in the UK.

Research by Sussex Enterprise shows business confidence in the county is soaring at a level 16 per cent above the national average.

Results from the organisation's quarterly economic survey also show most employers expect unemployment in the county to continue to fall over the next few months.

Mark Froud, director of economic research at Sussex Enterprise, said: "This is good news for the local economy but restrictions, such as rising interest rates, are still hampering business prospects.

"We urge the Bank of England not to impose interest rate rises at this time as there are no price pressures to warrant such a move."

The survey also showed future employment growth is expected over the next three months.

Large and medium-sized businesses were the most positive about employment growth.

In both manufacturing and service businesses, expectations are lower for employment than for turnover, indicating the likelihood of continued productivity growth.