LAST week, we had two very positive sets of results for our region, which present a definite upward trend for our economy.

The first results were in our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) and there was much to take away that allows us all to give North-East businesses a big pat on the back.

I am delighted to say the upward trend we saw was led, in part, by a dramatic improvement in overseas sales.

Many people expected the referendum to result in a decline in exports, but, perhaps due to sterling’s depreciation, the situation to date is the opposite.

I appreciate it is early days in terms of the impact of Brexit, and it is probably worth remembering there is no actual change in our situation as yet, but the results show companies really rolling up their metaphorical sleeves and getting on with business.

This survey also highlights the same positive overall trend we saw three months ago, in the last QES.

In that survey, it was domestic sales and orders making the biggest contribution to improved business performance, with export figures in decline.

However, the recovery of the export sector has seen sales and orders rising to levels not seen since 2015.

The survey has good news on future profitability and turnover as well, with business predictions very positive.

The second set of results, on our employment figures, supported the positive trend of these QES results.

These workforce figures showed the regional labour market continues to move in the right direction.

In fact, we achieved the highest improvement in employment levels out of the whole UK compared to this time last year, with significant numbers of people having found work and moved out of unemployment.

I know our baseline, compared to some regions, is lower but we should take heart from this good news that our companies appear to be heading in the right direction.

We had seen signals of this likely improvement, as many firms tell us that they have been recruiting heavily in recent months and have further plans for expansion.

It’s not just the big brand names who are investing for growth either.

Our small and medium-sized enterprises, who make up the majority of our business community, may not be well known outside of their industry or local area, but every day they make a positive contribution to our economy.

James Ramsbotham is chief executive at the North East England Chamber of Commerce