Businesses expect investment levels to grow over the next 12 months, but remain concerned about the economy

West Country firms are among the “most resilient” in the UK but lack confidence in the country’s economy, according to new research.

The latest Barclays Prosperity Index reported a net confidence level of 36 per cent for the region’s companies – more than 20 base points below the UK average.

But, according to the survey, South West businesses showed greater resilience in international trade activity than the rest of Britain. SME clients within Barclays Business Bank saw inbound (-0.8 per cent) and outbound (-1 per cent) international payments fall at a slower rate than the UK average.

More of the region’s companies also appear to be accessing external finance, with loan volumes rising 0.5 per cent and overdraft volumes growing 3.3 per cent.

The research suggests some of the demand for longer-term borrowing may be to support future investment plans. South West businesses expect investment levels to grow by eight per cent over the next 12 months – the strongest growth of all regions – and four percentage points higher than the UK average.

The top areas firms in the region are looking to invest in are researching and/or developing new or improved products, or services (33per cent) and new or improved digital products or subscriptions (31 per cent).

But Barclays said the stronger-than-average growth in overdraft usage could indicate that part of the increase in borrowing reflected short-term liquidity management.

James Jordan, head of region for the South West at Barclays, said: “Despite continued geo-political and associated economic uncertainty, businesses across the South West are demonstrating strong resilience and adaptability.

“Our data suggests firms are taking a disciplined approach to cash management while continuing to invest selectively in the areas that will support long-term productivity and growth.”

Nationally, geopolitical tensions have hit confidence and investment across the UK, with one in five firms (20 per cent) pausing spending plans in light of the uncertain landscape.

Meanwhile 68 per cent expect to increase cybersecurity investment over the next 12 months, but almost half (46 per cent) believe the adoption of new technologies is increasing their exposure to cybersecurity risks.

Six in 10 firms now proactively use agentic AI, with cloud, cyber and AI together accounting for 44 per cent of planned technology budgets over the next year.

Businesses of all sizes are split on their pricing strategy in response to rising costs, with 37 per cent passing them on to customers and 32 per cent absorbing the impact within margins.

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All 15 caravans on the grounds are to be let out to nuclear power plant workers until 2031

A Somerset wedding venue has been granted planning permission to house extra workers from Hinkley Point C on its premises.

Greenway Farm, on Skimmerton Lane on the western outskirts of Bridgwater, can host up to 60 guests for civil ceremonies in its wedding barn, and also features a restaurant area.

Owners Martin and Susan Felstead obtained planning permission in June 2023 to position 10 caravans on the site for those working at the nuclear power station, in addition to five already let out to members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

Somerset Council has now given the green light for all 15 caravans to be rented out to Hinkley Point staff until 2031 – although this timeframe could be extended should construction experience any further setbacks.

The caravans are positioned in the western section of the venue’s grounds, well shielded from both Skimmerton Lane and the nearby Shell petrol station, which houses a Budgens store and Greggs outlet.

Since the initial caravans were installed, a private waste treatment facility has been established and additional trees planted to further separate the campsite from the rest of the wedding venue.

A spokesperson for Clive Miller Planning (representing the Felsteads) said: “The site is well positioned for Hinkley Point C workers, being within walking distance of the bus service which runs along the A39 Quantock Road to the South West of the site.

“Occupancy of the 10 pitches on the site currently allocated on the site has been consistently high. These pitches are currently full and there is further strong demand for more pitches for workers.

“At the moment, the owners of Greenway Farm are having to turn new Hinkley Point C workers away when they enquire about such a provision.

“These pitches are highly appealing to Hinkley Point staff who have their own caravans or motor-homes, are working away from home and wish to keep”

“This also reduces the impact on the local affordable housing provision by providing an alternative choice to the local private rental sector.

“Despite the presence of the BP service station, the Greenway Farm site is relatively quiet, rural and provides the ability for workers to separate themselves from their colleagues when not at work.”

The proposals were granted approval by the council’s planning officers using their delegated powers, bypassing a public ruling by its planning committee north, which oversees major applications within the former Sedgemoor area.

Greenway Farm sits within walking distance of the Centenary Heights development to the north of Quantock Road, where Cavanna Homes South West and Martin Grant Homes are jointly delivering 675 new homes, a primary school and community hub.

The council is expected to reach a verdict imminently on proposals for a further 275 homes at the western edge of the site, just yards from the boundary with Greenway Farm.

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NEW YORK — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to begin on June 11 in Mexico City, the expanded 48-team tournament promises unprecedented drama across three host nations. For the first time, the global showpiece features 12 groups of four, with the top two from each advancing alongside the eight best third-placed teams to a 32-team knockout stage.

As of late May 2026, FIFA rankings and recent form provide a clear hierarchy, though the expanded format offers more opportunities for surprises. France currently lead the world rankings, followed closely by Spain and Argentina. Hosts United States, Mexico and Canada enter with home advantage but varying expectations. Debutants such as Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan add fresh storylines to the competition.

Below is a comprehensive power ranking of all 48 qualified teams, followed by detailed group analysis and key strengths, weaknesses and predictions for each side.

Overall Power Rankings (1-48)

1. France Current FIFA rank: 1. Defending runners-up from 2022 and Euro 2024 finalists, France boast unmatched depth. Kylian Mbappé remains the world’s most dangerous forward, supported by a formidable defense featuring William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Koundé. Les Bleus enter as clear favorites.

2. Spain FIFA rank: 2. Fresh from recent tournament success, Spain play with fluid possession and tactical discipline under their current coach. Young talents like Pedri and established stars create a balanced squad capable of winning the title.

3. Argentina FIFA rank: 3. Lionel Messi’s final World Cup? The defending champions retain core pieces from 2022 glory. Their blend of experience and tactical maturity under Lionel Scaloni makes them perennial contenders.

4. England FIFA rank: 4. A golden generation led by Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane. Gareth Southgate’s side has consistently reached knockout stages but seeks that elusive major trophy.

5. Brazil FIFA rank: 6. Despite recent inconsistencies, Brazil’s attacking talent remains unmatched. With stars like Vinícius Júnior and a revamped defense, they are always dangerous.

6. Portugal FIFA rank: 5. Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence ensures global attention. A strong supporting cast and tactical organization make them knockout regulars.

7. Germany FIFA rank: 10. Rebuilding under new leadership, Die Mannschaft possess Bundesliga depth and home-like support in North American venues.

8. Netherlands FIFA rank: 7. Tactical flexibility and technical quality define this Oranje side, always capable of stunning results.

9. Belgium FIFA rank: 9. The golden generation transitions with Kevin De Bruyne still pulling strings. Experience remains their greatest asset.

10. Morocco FIFA rank: 8. Semi-finalists in 2022, the Atlas Lions have built on that momentum with strong African performances.

(Continuing the ranking for brevity in this excerpt, full detailed analysis follows in group sections.)

Group Stage Analysis

Group A: Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, Czechia Hosts Mexico start as slight favorites in an open group. South Korea bring organization and set-piece threat, while South Africa and Czechia offer physicality and tactical discipline. Mexico’s home support at Estadio Azteca could prove decisive. Predicted order: 1. Mexico, 2. South Korea, 3. Czechia, 4. South Africa.

Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland Co-host Canada faces a challenging but winnable group. Switzerland’s experience makes them dangerous, while Bosnia and Qatar add unpredictability. Canada’s passionate home crowds will be key. Predicted order: 1. Switzerland, 2. Canada, 3. Bosnia and Herzegovina, 4. Qatar.

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland Brazil should top this group comfortably. Morocco’s counter-attacking style poses the biggest threat. Scotland and debutant Haiti will fight for third. Predicted order: 1. Brazil, 2. Morocco, 3. Scotland, 4. Haiti.

Group D: United States, Australia, Paraguay, Türkiye The host USMNT faces tough competition. Türkiye’s attacking flair and Paraguay’s organization create a competitive pool. Australia adds physicality. Predicted order: 1. United States, 2. Türkiye, 3. Paraguay, 4. Australia.

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador Germany are clear favorites. Ivory Coast and Ecuador offer pace and physicality, while debutant Curaçao will gain valuable experience. Predicted order: 1. Germany, 2. Ecuador, 3. Ivory Coast, 4. Curaçao.

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia A highly competitive group. Netherlands edge it on quality, but Japan’s tactical discipline, Sweden’s set pieces and Tunisia’s resilience make advancement difficult. Predicted order: 1. Netherlands, 2. Japan, 3. Sweden, 4. Tunisia.

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand Belgium should progress, but Egypt and Iran bring defensive organization and counter-attacking threat. New Zealand adds physical presence. Predicted order: 1. Belgium, 2. Egypt, 3. Iran, 4. New Zealand.

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay Spain are strong favorites. Uruguay’s experience and Saudi Arabia’s organization challenge them, while debutant Cape Verde brings enthusiasm. Predicted order: 1. Spain, 2. Uruguay, 3. Saudi Arabia, 4. Cape Verde.

Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway France are expected to dominate. Senegal’s athleticism and Norway’s attacking talent (led by Erling Haaland) create danger. Iraq adds resilience. Predicted order: 1. France, 2. Senegal, 3. Norway, 4. Iraq.

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan Argentina enter as defending champions and favorites. Algeria and Austria provide quality, while debutant Jordan seeks upsets. Predicted order: 1. Argentina, 2. Austria, 3. Algeria, 4. Jordan.

Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia Portugal should top the group. Colombia’s creativity and DR Congo’s athleticism challenge them, with debutant Uzbekistan rounding out the pool. Predicted order: 1. Portugal, 2. Colombia, 3. DR Congo, 4. Uzbekistan.

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama England and Croatia headline this tough group. Ghana’s speed and Panama’s organization add layers. Predicted order: 1. England, 2. Croatia, 3. Ghana, 4. Panama.

Key Storylines Across All Teams

Favorites (France, Spain, Argentina, England, Brazil) These sides possess the squad depth, tactical flexibility and star power to win the tournament. France’s attacking options and defensive solidity give them a slight edge in current rankings.

Dark Horses Morocco, Senegal, Japan, and Colombia have the organization and talent to reach quarterfinals or beyond. Their ability to compete physically and tactically against European and South American giants makes them dangerous.

Hosts’ Prospects United States, Mexico and Canada benefit from home advantage and passionate crowds. The USMNT aims for a deep run, Mexico seeks quarterfinal progression, and Canada hopes to advance from the group stage.

Debutants Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan bring fresh energy. While unlikely to advance far, their participation represents significant milestones for their footballing histories.

Veteran Nations Teams like Uruguay, Croatia and Portugal rely on experience and leadership to navigate the expanded format. Their ability to manage fixture congestion across a month-long tournament will be tested.

Tactical and Strategic Outlook

The 48-team format reduces early pressure but increases overall matches to 104. Teams must balance rotation with performance across potentially seven games to reach the final. High pressing, set-piece execution and squad depth will prove decisive.

Coaching quality varies significantly. Nations with experienced managers like Scaloni (Argentina), Deschamps (France) and Southgate (England) hold advantages in preparation and in-game adjustments.

Fan and Cultural Impact

The 2026 tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico promises record attendance and global viewership. Cultural exchanges between fans from 48 nations will enrich the event, while economic benefits for host cities are substantial.

Security, infrastructure and sustainability measures have been prioritized by organizers. The expanded format allows more nations to experience World Cup glory, fulfilling FIFA’s goal of greater global inclusion.

Final Predictions

Championship Favorites: France, Spain, Argentina Surprise Semi-Finalists: Morocco, Japan, Colombia, Senegal Top Scorer Candidates: Mbappé, Haaland, Vinícius Júnior, Kane Breakout Stars: Young talents from debutant nations and emerging European prospects.

The 2026 World Cup represents a new era for international football. With 48 teams showcasing diverse styles and stories, the tournament is poised to deliver memorable moments from Vancouver to Atlanta and Mexico City.

As teams finalize preparations, the focus shifts to on-field execution. The beautiful game’s global appeal reaches new heights with this historic edition, promising excitement, drama and unforgettable football for fans worldwide.