THE Yorkshire economy is showing signs of a “tentative recovery” – according to a survey conducted by a Huddersfield law firm.

The latest six-monthly Economic Report by Baxter Caulfield shows that the final two quarters of 2012 saw growth in the economic activity of the region’s private sector companies.

The firm has carried out an in-depth evaluation of announcements made by businesses in the region covering job creation, new investment and contract wins.

Stephen Newman, senior partner at the Station Street firm, said: “The results of the research make for positive reading, showing that the skilled, forward-thinking nature of companies in the region attracts investment, bringing in new contracts and from that, creating jobs.”

The research reveals that private sector employers in the region created 8,532 jobs during the second half of 2012 while new investment totalled almost £260m during the same period.

Mr Newman said: “The final six months of 2012 proved to be successful for the region, especially with the creation of so many new jobs across all industries.

“The early part of 2013 alone has seen several big name casualties, especially on the high street.

“So, for businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber to be soldiering on and still managing to invest and take on new staff when others are shedding shows real commitment and determination and makes me very proud of this region.

“Despite these results, of course, businesses cannot afford to take their foot off the gas.

“It is still an extremely tough economic climate out there.

“But the region’s businesses should hold their heads up high as they help to drag us through the gloom of the financial winter.

“It is early days, but the green shoots of spring may just be starting to show.”