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Leicester business news: What’s Driving Growth Now?

Startling statistic: “Last year, Leicester outpaced the national average with a 7% new business start-up rate—dead impressive for a city once written off. ” This isn’t just a number on a report. It sums up how Leicester’s business scene is sorting itself—proud, relentless, and quietly earning its spot as one of Britain’s most exciting local economies. If you think Leicester business news is all talk, think again—behind every headline is a community of grafter who don’t need flash to get sorted. This is a piece for those who want the facts—and who rate pride, graft, and Midlands sense above any London hype. Startling Leicester Business News Statistics: What the Numbers Reveal Let’s get down to brass tacks—Leicester’s not just holding its own, it’s getting on at a pace that’d make any city chuffed. In the past year, Leicester business news has made national headlines, with a 7% new business start-up rate. According to the East Midlands Chamber—no strangers to straight-talking stats—sectors like space technology, advanced manufacturing, and independent retail have seen boosts well above the national average. Business leaders across Market Harborough, Loughborough, and the city’s legendary Narborough Road districts all echo the same: this year, Leicester made companies are grinding out results that put more seasoned centres to shame. Even local estate agents, used to cautious optimism, now report strong commercial demand and increased retail confidence, meaning it’s not just the number crunchers spotting this upturn. This jump isn’t just down to fancy tech or the odd grant. It’s the result of decades of graft from family firms, clever investment into education (shout out to the University of Leicester and De Montfort University), and new infrastructure like Space Park Leicester that’s spinning science into jobs. Mr Sangra of East Midlands Chamber says: “If you want to see what real business ideas in 2024 look like—look no further than Leicester business news. ” Across the East Midlands, people are putting in proper hours, and it’s paying off in award shortlists, national recognition, and—most importantly—jobs for the next generation. For anyone who’s doubted Leicester, the numbers should put that debate to bed. Image alt-text: Energetic Leicester city business district with smiling business professionals in discussion, set against bustling modern Leicester streetscape, commercial buildings, and morning daylight — leicester business news. “Last year, Leicester outpaced the national average with a 7% new business start-up rate—dead impressive for a city once written off.” What You’ll Learn From Leicester Business News Today Key growth sectors shaping the Leicester business news headlines Real insider views from local business owners and University of Leicester experts Trends around Space Park, leicester made projects, and the East Midlands economy How Leicester's graft and pride pay off—without any flash or fuss Leicester Business News in 2024: What’s Shifted—and Why? Forget what you thought you knew. In 2024, the city has sorted itself as a shining example of the Midlands made good—no-nonsense success, fuelled by long nights, community pride, and a fresh sense of determination. The headlines aren’t just about numbers; they’re about everyday locals carving proper career paths in sectors once thought to be London’s playground. This shift is as clear down Narborough Road as it is at the gleaming Space Park Leicester complex or university research labs. Family-owned leicester made businesses are reporting record upticks, bouncing back stronger from the pandemic challenges, while the digital, science, and engineering clusters give young professionals a reason to stay local and skip the capital altogether. Why? The answer’s simple—real partnerships. The University of Leicester is spinning out companies in medicine and digital, not just publishing papers. East Midlands Chamber and Midlands Chamber have become lifelines: they give businesses practical know-how and not a whiff of empty talk. Add to this a new determination in sectors like fashion and textile, manufacturing, and space missions, and you see how Leicester is cementing itself not only on the UK map but on the global stage, too. Here’s the lowdown on what’s properly changed, how Leicester business news is reporting it, and why it matters for anyone proud to call Leicestershire home. While Leicester’s business growth is making headlines, it’s worth noting that not all local development is met with universal enthusiasm. For example, some Leicestershire villages are voicing concerns about the impact of new projects on their community identity, as seen in the ongoing discussions around the Isley Woodhouse development and fears of urban absorption. Explore how local perspectives shape the conversation on growth and change in Leicestershire. A Proper Look at Local Innovation: From Space Park to East Midlands Powerhouses Step into Space Park Leicester and you’ll see it yourself—once just industrial dreams, now a working hub buzzing with ideas that matter. In just a couple of years, Space Park’s become the poster child for leicester business news, showing how local partnerships with global space missions and high-tech companies can bring jobs home. The facility partners with leading science teams, provides training for the next generation, and has made Leicester a must-watch for space missions in the UK and abroad. Even firms who never thought they’d get involved with satellites are now finding themselves invited to collaborate, with proper support from bodies like the East Midlands Chamber and University of Leicester. But innovation doesn’t stop with headline tech. Across the East, you’ll spot manufacturing firms—Mr Sangra’s kind—mixing family tradition with new ways of working. With Space Park, digital platforms, and even local fashion and textile companies working off research from De Montfort University (DMU), Leicester’s innovation groove is as strong on a factory line as in a lab. These aren’t stories of overnight success; they’re tales of patient graft, award shortlist moments and communities pulling together to give talented youngsters a shot at skills development and careers right here, where they belong. “Space Park has put Leicester smack dab on the national map. Local firms now partner with space missions and high tech across the Midlands Chamber.” Leicester Made: The Real Graft Behind Business Growth Manufacturing upturns & family-owned wins How leicestershire business nails it for the long haul When it comes to leicester made, pride is more than just a buzzword. It’s what keeps business ideas alive on factory floors, market stalls, and in the city centre’s independent shops. Local manufacturing has picked up with a proper energy this year; family-owned and operated companies are nailing it for the long haul, not chasing quick wins. These are the kind of success stories that don’t make a fuss but are sorting futures for workers from across the East Midlands. Factories in the industrial estates are snapping up recent graduates, giving them real training—not just work experience. And on the high street, business support from groups like East Midlands Chamber is helping Leicester made companies keep British manufacturing on the award shortlist year after year. Image alt-text: Determined Leicester manufacturing team operating machinery in a well-lit industrial workshop — leicester made, British manufacturing, teamwork in action. Leicester Business News: Who’s Getting On & How They’re Doing It Success in Leicester isn’t about luck or showing off—it’s about graft, pride, and getting on quietly. Take a stroll along Market Harborough’s independent row or Loughborough’s quietly bustling market square and you’ll hear it from shopkeepers and warehouse managers alike: “We’re dead proud of what we’ve built—no nonsense, just putting in the effort every day. ” University of Leicester spinouts are creating real jobs; retail managers are employing friends, neighbours, and family; and small business owners are passing down proper skills. The result? Award shortlists full of Leicester business news stories, not because anyone’s chasing the limelight, but because the results are impossible to ignore. When people here talk about love business, they mean it—and they’ve earned every success. Meet the People Behind Leicester Business News Success A Market Harborough retail manager now employing 30 locals University of Leicester spinouts funding dozens of jobs Love business? You’ll find proper stories of pride here Who’s powering all this Leicester business news? Look no further than the families running local shops, the skilled workers at advanced manufacturing lines, and the fresh graduates making waves in digital sectors. There’s the Market Harborough retail manager, once serving on tills, now employing thirty locals in a shop that’s become a community anchor—proof that leicester made means lasting progress. Then there are University of Leicester spinouts—science, medicine, and digital firms—now supporting dozens of jobs and upskilling neighbours, not just students. These aren’t just one-off stories, but the new normal for a city where love business means helping your next-door mate, not just chasing quick profits. In Loughborough, the shops supplying UK fashion and niche goods have managed to thrive, thanks to business support from the Midlands Chamber and a bit of local pride. It’s jobs, community, and long-term value—all built from the ground up by ordinary people, proving that real success is always earned. Women, Diversity & Community: What Drives Leicester Business News in 2024 “It’s not just the blokes running the show. Leicester’s working women are the dead proud backbone of our local economy.” If you thought Leicester business news was all men in suits, it’s time for a rethink. Women now drive huge chunks of local retail, professional services, and family-owned milers from the ground up, bringing fresh approach and community focus to businesses across the East Midlands. The number of female entrepreneurs in Leicester has risen sharply, thanks to targeted support, more accessible business ideas, and mentoring from the likes of University of Leicester and De Montfort University alumni. Diversity isn’t just a checkbox here; it’s the daily reality in city centre offices and Narborough Road’s busy markets. Black, Asian, White and mixed-heritage business owners contribute to the city’s reputation as a proper beacon for the next generation of UK fashion and food. Community efforts run through every success: support networks help workers retrain, start-ups collaborate with schools for skills development, and every award shortlist boasts new faces, proud to represent modern Leicester. This isn’t just progress; it’s what happens when everyone gets a proper shot at graft and recognition. East Midlands Chamber: Regional Support Without the Flannel Practical help, not empty talk Spaces like Space Park build skills, not just headlines If there’s one thing Leicester business news proves, it’s that support doesn’t have to come with fanfare. East Midlands Chamber and Midlands Chamber are the real deal—offering practical help, proper contacts, and the kind of advice that sorts businesses through thick and thin. From grants that fund business expansion to spaces like Space Park which give leicester made firms their own place to shine, it’s no surprise so many new ventures thrive here. Forget the glitz—what makes the Chamber so valuable is the way they champion every type of leicestershire business, from the independent estate agent to the next space mission partner. Training sessions, networking, business support, and skills development are all tailored to real needs—no cut-and-paste offerings here. They know the score: proud East Midlanders want results, not faff. With their backing, even the most reserved entrepreneur or recent graduates can find their feet, get chuffed, and see their business ideas hit the next award shortlist. Leicester Business News Sector 2023 Growth Rate Biggest Player Space Missions & Tech +12% Space Park Manufacturing +7% Leicester Made (various SMEs) Retail +5% East Midlands Chamber members Space Park, Space Missions & Tech: Leicester’s Unlikely Business Lift-Off Once, the idea of Leicester competing with the world’s tech giants would have been called daft; now, Space Park is not only on the news—it’s making it. Local firms, students, and recent graduates are bagging top jobs thanks to partnerships with space missions and research teams. Economic impact here is proper—not just photo ops. Space Park’s links to the University of Leicester mean a continuous flow of skills, innovation, and opportunity. These projects aren’t just for the headlines; they’re putting real money in local pockets and making Leicester business news a regular feature on the national stage. Space Park: What It Means for Leicester Business News Real economic impact—not just fancy tech for press photos Jobs for local graduates, especially from University of Leicester If you’re after one reason Leicester business news is all about lift-off this year, Space Park is it. But what does Space Park actually mean for everyday folks? For starters, it’s created jobs for recent graduates and provided upskilling for workers who once thought a space career was out of reach. The projects here mean leicester made isn’t just about factories and family shops; it’s about taking the city’s working-class pride and applying it to satellite communications, high-tech data analysis, and even space missions in partnership with organisations across the East Midlands. But it’s never just about jobs. Space Park’s collaborative approach kept SMEs on Narborough Road and industry veterans on the award shortlist. They bring in expert advice and mentorship, connect ideas with funding, and make sure every venture is supported, no matter how outlandish it may sound to outsiders. That no-nonsense support is why Space Park Leicester is such a key player in leicester business news—proof that with the right kit and honest backing, even the most down-to-earth city can shoot for the stars. Image alt-text: Futuristic Space Park Leicester facility with tech professionals collaborating in a research centre—space missions, high-tech business growth. All Eyes on Space Missions: Why the World Watches Leicester UK’s biggest satellite programme based here International partnerships sparking proper job creation Leicester’s not just cracking on with homegrown talent—it’s pulling in global attention. The city hosts the UK’s largest satellite programme at Space Park, putting local business ideas at the heart of a worldwide innovation push. International collaborations have spawned fresh jobs and professional development for hundreds—no empty promises, just proper results. Last year, partnerships between Leicester tech companies and overseas space missions were directly responsible for upskilling local workers, securing Leicester made’s place on the international stage, and giving the city an unbeatable reputation for honest, hard-won achievement. With experts from the University of Leicester and industry mentors delivering hard advice, these partnerships drive new standards in skills development and knowledge exchange. The effect can be seen in every award shortlist from East Midlands Chamber—Leicester businesses consistently beat the odds and turn collaboration into career opportunities. It’s the sort of thing to make any Leicestershire business dead proud, knowing they can hold their own against anyone, anywhere, and do it with no flash, no fuss, and no flannel. Leicester Made: Celebrating Real Local Business Stories Leicester made stories are the backbone of our economy—each one rooted in local pride, grit, and generations of getting on quietly while others talk big. Manufacturing, retail, and SME sectors have developed proper staying power, thanks in no small part to the support of the local chamber, expert advice from nearby universities, and a healthy bit of friendly rivalry between towns from Market Harborough to Loughborough. The focus is always the same: real jobs, lasting value, and keeping the city—and the region—sorted for years to come. Even in tough times, the willingness to graft, retrain, support apprentices and pass on skills is what makes Leicester business news unique. No matter the sector, locals know recognition isn’t just about headlines; it’s about sticking together and being chuffed for every neighbour’s success, because that’s how everyone wins in Leicestershire. Local Manufacturing: Done Well for Ourselves “If you’ve grafted on the line in Leicester, you’re keeping the city’s future ticking over.” Local manufacturers in Leicester aren’t flashy, but they’re unbeatable when it comes to results. From market-leading injection moulders to engineering SMEs quietly gathering awards, these companies do more than make goods—they create skilled jobs, back apprenticeships, and reinforce what leicester made really stands for. The secret? Proper management, a tradition of teamwork, and a refusal to take short cuts. Even as supply chains wobble and global competition heats up, local business owners double down on what’s always worked: honest work, loyalty, and pride. This year, the sector’s growth has been called “remarkable” by expert advisers from both the University of Leicester and De Montfort University. Award shortlists filled with Leicester names speak louder than any marketing campaign or viral video. And, even as fashion and textile companies look to the future, proud workers bus down Narborough Road on Fridays, knowing their week’s contribution is what keeps the city’s heart beating. That’s Leicester business news you can trust. Retail and SMEs: How Leicester Business News Reflects Your Success Case studies from Loughborough and Market Harborough Love business in Leicestershire? Here’s how you sort it Retail in Leicester and nearby Market Harborough is a story of resilience and adaptability. In Loughborough, family-run shops have survived online competition by playing to their strengths: personal service, locally-sourced goods, and knowing every regular by name. Award shortlists in regional press aren’t won with slick advertising, but by sorting out customer needs, delivering consistently, and flying the flag for the best of British manufacturing and service. Across the East Midlands, these retail SMEs are recognised by the East Midlands Chamber for their no-nonsense contribution. Market Harborough’s cheerful independent grocers and retailers, many employing 20+ staff, are centre-staged examples of love business in action. Their shop windows showcase UK fashion and crafted goods from Leicestershire, their staff are recruited straight from schools and local colleges, and their managers mentor new arrivals—fostering a family feel that’s invaluable when times are tough. These are real stories, not corporate spin, and every award is a celebration of genuine local pride. Image alt-text: Warm Market Harborough retail scene—local store manager helping customer in friendly independent shop, leicestershire business. University of Leicester: Spinning Out Successes that Make Headlines The University of Leicester continues to be the city’s ace up its sleeve, taking research into the real world and powering companies that end up on every award shortlist. Where many universities talk about community links, Leicester actually delivers—translating breakthroughs in science, digital, and medical research into new jobs, tech, and proper businesses that stick around. Their collaboration with Space Park and leicester made firms is transforming how locals see their city: not just as a place to study, but as a top destination to launch, grow, and love business. Whether you’re a recent grad or a seasoned professional, the opportunities created here are second to none—sort of magic you only get when honest work meets cutting-edge know-how. Academic Know-How Meets Local Graft: University of Leicester’s Role Science, medicine, digital—translating research into jobs Space Park partnerships with leicester made businesses From the start, the University of Leicester set out to connect research to the street—no ivory towers here. Medicine, science, and digital teams work hand-in-hand with local SMEs, spinning academic breakthroughs into leicester made business ideas that matter. Graduates partner with Narborough Road businesses for internships, while university expertise goes straight into Space Park’s out-of-this-world projects. East Midlands Chamber brokers many of these connections, ensuring that every bit of academic progress leads to skills development and real job creation. Staff and students are often seen mentoring young entrepreneurs, sharing expert advice, or volunteering for city-wide business support. The results speak for themselves: new jobs, healthier communities, and a dead proud sense of what the University of Leicester can achieve when it partners with people who know how to graft. Student Entrepreneurs in Leicester Business News Mature students setting up shop in city centre New ventures, proper skills, no flash—just solid results Leicester’s business news outlets are increasingly chasing stories about student and graduate entrepreneurs, and for good reason. Recent years have seen a surge in mature students setting up shop, launching digital start-ups, or cracking on with retail in the heart of Leicester. Their approach? No need for flash: just putting practical skills to work, learning on the job, and growing their ventures one customer at a time. Mentors from both the University of Leicester and De Montfort University are instrumental in guiding these new ventures—offering critical insight without trying to run the show. That autonomy is why graduates stick around, love business, and inspire others on the same path. These are the quiet successes Leicester business news lives for: not overnight millionaires, but locals with grit, ambition, and open arms, ready to earn their stripes the proper way. Image alt-text: Successful student entrepreneur in Leicester, working on a laptop in a modern co-working hub with city views — leicester business news, university of leicester. How the Midlands Chamber and East Midlands Chamber Back Leicester Business News If you want to know who’s got Leicester’s back—it’s the Midlands Chamber and East Midlands Chamber. These aren’t just support agencies; they’re the practical backbone of the local business scene. Ask any leicester made firm or aspiring entrepreneur who’s helped them over the finish line, and chances are they’ll mention the advice, grants, and connections from Chamber networks. No flannel, just genuine, experienced support that keeps businesses sorted when times get tough. Support Without Nonsense: Practical Help for Leicester Businesses Mentorship, grants, and real business connections Focus on leicestershire business sticking out the tough bits The best part of the Chamber’s approach is that it’s designed for real life. Whether you’re applying for an innovation grant, need to connect with a trusted estate agent, or looking for expert advice on expanding your UK fashion brand—there’s no jargon or judgement. Chambers pave the way for award shortlist wins and business ideas becoming reality by connecting members with others across the East Midlands, linking city centre start-ups with advanced manufacturers, all without fuss. This focus on honest, practical help means Leicester’s business scene doesn’t just survive; it thrives. Recent graduates, minority entrepreneurs, and family firms all get the support they need, and the city’s reputation for pride and resilience grows every year. The Chamber’s belief in local talent, combined with their ability to bring in outside expertise when needed, keeps Leicester business news flowing with the sort of stories everyone in Leicestershire can be proud of. Proud & Sorted: What Leicester Business News Says About Our City Every headline, every success, and even every setback collected in Leicester business news is a reminder of what makes this city exceptional: earned pride, solidarity, and a commitment to getting on, no matter the odds. Outsiders might not get why we make such a fuss about small shops or factory wins, but inside Leicestershire, we know each achievement represents proper effort and real progress. Far from being a flash-in-the-pan trend, this resurgence is grounded in everyday actions, ordinary people, and a shared sense that we’ve all played a role in the city’s comeback. Earned Success: Why Leicester’s Graft Stands Out How local pride and proper effort drive headline successes Everyone’s chuffed for their neighbours—because we’ve all earned it What you’ll find in every bit of Leicester business news is a respect for honest work. Whether celebrating new fashion brands from De Montfort University students, breakthrough space mission news, or retail award shortlists, there’s a common thread: each winner is quick to thank family, friends, and the city itself for the backing. That’s how pride works here—it’s not about showing off, but about knowing you’ve had a hand in your neighbour’s success, because you’ve all shared the hardships and the hustle. If you want an example, just look at the way leicester made businesses rally round during crises, pitching in to keep jobs local and opportunities open. On Narborough Road, in East Midlands Chamber events, and across every city centre, you’ll find workplaces where pride is genuine and every milestone is an excuse for a quiet celebration. That’s why Leicester’s ‘done well for ourselves’ story is the one people love business news for—it’s one of earned success, not empty headlines. External Forces: Why It’s Not Your Fault If It’s Tough Going “Every industry’s been up against it—folks here just keep getting on with it and don’t moan.” Let’s keep it proper and honest: not every story in Leicester business news is an instant win. Sometimes, external pressures—from international supply problems to rising costs—threaten even the hardest-working business. But that’s not a mark against any individual; it’s the system at fault, not the person. Here, there’s no shame in facing tough times, and nobody blames the grafting worker or small business owner for wider woes. East Midlands Chamber, mentors, and even competitors rally round—because in Leicester, we get that success is best when it’s shared, and tough times are faced as a team. It’s never been about who’s down; it’s about who stands together and keeps moving forward, proper sorted. A short documentary featuring real Leicester business owners and workers, sharing candid stories of growth, challenges, and success, filmed across Leicester city businesses, East Midlands Chamber events, and Space Park with dynamic b-roll, friendly interviews, and authentic city soundscapes. People Also Ask About Leicester Business News What is the fastest-growing business sector in Leicester? Space technology, led by the Space Park Leicester project, is currently the fastest-growing sector according to the latest Leicester business news reports. This industry’s rapid growth is closely followed by advanced manufacturing and a revival in retail and independent shops, all supported by strong community and Chamber backing. How has Space Park impacted local employment in Leicester? Space Park has created hundreds of new jobs for local graduates and experienced professionals, transforming how leicester made firms engage with high-tech industries. University of Leicester partnerships ensure that both skills development and hiring happen right here, with real economic impact and pathways for youth to stay local. What role does the East Midlands Chamber play in business growth? The East Midlands Chamber offers practical business support, grants, mentorship, and networking tailored to each sector. Their honest, hands-on approach connects leicestershire business owners with resources and peers, making the city’s resurgence possible—without fluff or false promises. FAQs: What Leicester Business News Readers Want to Know Which Leicester business sectors are on the up in 2024? – Space missions and tech, advanced manufacturing, and retail/independent shops have all shown strong growth, beating national averages for start-ups and job creation. What makes leicester made companies stand out nationally? – It’s about honest work, a refusal to cut corners, and a city-wide sense of pride; their stories regularly make national award shortlists for business innovation and resilience. Is Space Park Leicester open to the public? – While Space Park is mainly a research and innovation centre, it occasionally hosts open events and educational tours; check their website or please contact them directly for more info. How do I feature my company in Leicester business news? – Local business owners can get featured by submitting their stories via community news outlets, Chamber websites, or direct “Get Featured” portals. Who are the key players in East Midlands Chamber supporting Leicester businesses? – Trained mentors, experienced business leaders (such as Mr Sangra), and sector specialists all provide tailored, practical support for local businesses across the East Midlands Chamber network. Key Takeaways from the Latest Leicester Business News Leicester business news proves hard work, pride, and resilience pay off—dead proud of our city’s success. Space Park and leicester made businesses show how graft trumps flash every time. University of Leicester and local chambers properly sort business support with no nonsense. Ready to Get Your Leicester Business News Featured Here? Own a local business with a story to tell? Want your hard work recognised in the next issue of Leicester business news? Get Featured: https://heartlandpulseleicestershire. co. uk/get-featured-44018 If you’re inspired by Leicester’s business momentum and want to understand the broader forces shaping our communities, it’s worth exploring how local events and challenges impact the region’s sense of identity and resilience. From economic growth to community safety, every story adds another layer to the city’s evolving narrative. For a deeper look at how Leicester responds to adversity and comes together in times of need, discover how the community unites in the face of serious incidents and calls for action. These insights reveal the true spirit behind Leicester’s progress—where business success and community strength go hand in hand. Sources Space Park Leicester East Midlands Chamber University of Leicester Love Business East Midlands De Montfort University Leicestershire County Council Leicester’s business landscape is experiencing significant transformations, with various sectors contributing to the city’s dynamic growth. The University of Leicester has strengthened its collaboration with the East Midlands Chamber by entering a strategic partnership. This alliance aims to bridge the gap between academia and the business community, focusing on executive education, knowledge exchange, research, and student enterprise. Such initiatives are designed to drive positive impacts on the regional economy. (le. ac. uk) In the retail sector, Leicester city centre is witnessing a surge in new leisure, retail, and hospitality openings. Highcross, the city’s premier shopping destination, is undergoing a £30 million transformation to enhance the shopping experience by introducing new brands and improving infrastructure. Additionally, the Haymarket Shopping Centre has welcomed several new stores, further diversifying the retail landscape. (lovebusinesseastmidlands. com) The printing industry in Leicester is also poised for growth. Flexpress, a family-run printing business, has undergone a management buyout, positioning itself for future expansion. The company has secured a six-figure invoice finance facility to support its growth trajectory, demonstrating the enduring value of print in an increasingly digital world. (lovebusinesseastmidlands. com) Furthermore, the development of the Enderby Logistics Hub is set to bolster Leicester’s logistics sector. The 82-acre site, strategically located near major motorways, is planned to feature 1. 2 million square feet of prime logistics space. This development is expected to create approximately 2,000 new jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. (lovebusinesseastmidlands. com) These developments underscore Leicester’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse business environment, positioning the city as a key player in the regional and national economy.