A survey of Yorkshire’s private sector reveals “promising levels of growth”.

The findings from Huddersfield-based law firm Baxter Caulfield’s latest quarterly Yorkshire Economic Index contrasts with national data showing a 0.3% decline in GDP in the first quarter of 2015.

Baxter Caulfield’s report focuses on business data on jobs creation, new investment and contract wins for the three months to March and shows a “healthy and sustainable-looking” increase in the economic activity of private sector companies across the region.

The report reveals that at least 1,178 private sector jobs have been created in the region during the first quarter while an estimated £39.78m of new investment has been made by private sector businesses throughout Yorkshire.

An estimated £20,22m worth of new contract wins have been announced by private sector businesses in the region.

Home-grown success stories include the completion of Holmfirth Dyers’ Park Valley Mills site, which will create 70 jobs.

Other positive news includes a £14m investment by Banks Renewables, part of The Banks Group, in the five-turbine Hook Moor Wind Farm, which will create 30 jobs.

Stephen Newman, senior partner at Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, said: “There is little doubt that business confidence is on the rise in our region with firms starting to make tangible investment in new infrastructure and job creation.

“While the UK as a whole enters a period characterised by deflationary pressures, there is little to suggest that this will be protracted and that momentum will be lost.”

Mr Newman said: “Our Economic Index is a good and clear indicator that the regional economy is looking promising and is now progressing further along the path to a full and sustained recovery.”