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FSB: Small firms see improved outlook

Jul 01 2009

Small companies are experiencing a tentative recovery from the recession, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) suggests.

A poll of 4,400 of the organisation's members shows that their confidence and outlook is improving when compared to previous surveys.

According to the research, 23 per cent of small companies have experienced an increase in trade since the start of the year, rising from the 16 per cent reported in February.

In addition, it shows that the proportion of small firms citing the cost of finance as a major problem has fallen from 40 per cent to a quarter.

The survey also claims 68 per cent of respondents plan to expand in the next six months through increasing their investment in marketing, recruitment and new products, with 57 per cent saying they are 'quite confident' about their future prospects.

John Wright, national chairman of the FSB, comments: 'Small businesses are naturally flexible and innovative in recessions and these figures show that despite the very many negative forces on them, they are being cautiously optimistic and are looking to expand.'

Recently, the Business Inflation Guide, published by insurance provider More Than, claimed the cost of running a small firm fell by 1.4 per cent in the opening quarter of the year.

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