New research from uSwitchforBusiness.com suggests that a feeling of optimism is growing among SMEs. The research reveals that over four in ten SME owners (42%) report seeing some signs of economic recovery, with a further 1% saying that these signs are strong.

The findings also reveal a small increase in the number of small businesses confident that they will survive, with 81% now of the belief that they will get through the downturn, compared with 76% in the first quarter of this year.

However, small business owners still expect the recession to have a long lasting impact. Over a quarter (27%) … Continue Reading

New figures released today support recent reports that business confidence is rising, albeit from rather depressed levels given the economic downturn.

The Business in Britain survey from Lloyds TSB Commercial charts the performance and views of more than 2,500 UK firms. The latest results show that firms are hopeful of an increase in sales and orders by the end of 2009 but profits will continue to fall for many as the recession makes it difficult to make price rises.

The survey’s business confidence index, which tracks firms’ expectations for sales orders and profits over the coming six months, has risen to … Continue Reading