Small business owners are feeling notably more confident about their prospects in 2010, research has revealed.
A survey conducted by accountancy firm RSM Tenon and the Financial Mail found that 60% of small business owners are optimistic about opportunities for their firms over the next three months, compared to less than 50% when the poll was last conducted half a year ago.
In particular, the survey revealed that investment intentions are steadily increasing, with almost a third expecting to take on new staff members in the next three months, compared to just 18% previously. Some 40% of small business owners are planning on expanding their operations over the next 12 months.
Andy Raynor, chief executive of RSM Tenon, said: “Business leaders have made a key contribution to the fragile recovery we have seen. Active investment into businesses is a key indicator of confidence and our barometer shows planned spending has been rising steadily over the past 12 months.”
Over a fifth of small businesses are planning on giving their staff a pay rise this year, compared to just 13% who were in a position to consider this six months ago.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2010
