Confidence is increasing among UK business leaders, according to a new survey. Image courtesy of: Steve Woods/rgbstock.com
Confidence among UK businesses is improving, according to the latest Business Confidence Survey from
Charterhouse Research.
More UK businesses now believe
economic conditions will improve, compared to those who think they will worsen, for the first time since the survey began in June 2011. This is most pronounced among new businesses.
Mark Dennis, Director at Charterhouse Research, said: “It is encouraging to see businesses are feeling more positive about the future, maybe there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel. 29 percent of businesses now believe the economy will improve, against 20 percent who think it will worsen. More positive thinking can only help.”
He added: “In addition, only 43 percent of businesses are feeling negative about the current state of the economy, despite continuing
fears of the Eurozone and prolonged recession. This is lower than the 54 percent figure that was shown in our Survey results from September to November last year.”
Key findings from the latest survey:
In terms of attitudes towards the current UK economy
- 22 percent of UK businesses feel positive
- 43 percent of UK businesses feel negative about the current UK economy, down from 54 percent
Regarding views for economic outlook over the next six months
- 29 percent of UK businesses believe the UK economy will improve
- 50 percent believe it will be the same as now
- 20 percent believe it will worsen
- 34 percent of new businesses believe it will improve; 17 percent say it will worsen
When asked for an outlook on their own business prospects
- 54 percent believe they will experience growth over the next six months
- Only 5 percent are predicting a decline
The survey questioned 3,209 businesses, from start-ups to those with a turnover of £1bn, between March and May 2012.