Confidence levels among small businesses are at “record levels”, according to the Federation of Small Businesses. The northeast has shown the greatest improvement in sentiment compared with a year ago, and the southeast remains the most confident region overall. The FSB said every sector was positive about its trading prospects over the next three months. However, confidence among Scottish SMEs fell in the past three months chiefly over concerns about the impact of a Yes vote in this week’s independence referendum. Elsewhere, high streets saw a fall in visiting shoppers leading to calls for ministers and local councils to help high streets and shopping centres to attract shoppers in the run–up to Christmas by removing obstacles such as high parking costs.