Small firms’ confidence ‘improving’

Confidence among small businesses is continuing to improve after a survey showed three-fifths of firms expect to grow in the next 12 months.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Sep 2014, 07:00 BST

The index by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) registered plus 41 in the third quarter - the first time that sentiment has reached this level - with every sector recording a positive outlook for the next three months.

It is the seventh consecutive quarter that small businesses have been positive about their outlook, while regionally the North East showed the greatest gains compared to a year ago, recording a confidence score of plus 44. The South East remains the most confident region overall, registering a score of 52.

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FSB national chairman John Allan said: “We’re seeing record breaking confidence from our members which suggests small firms will continue to spearhead the UK’s recovery. We want policy makers to lock in this optimism and continue to back the self employed and small businesses.”

The most confident sector remains financial services.

Related topics:South EastNorth East