More than four fifths of small and medium-sized enterprises  in the UK believe that next year will be just as prosperous or even better than 2011.

More than four fifths of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK believe that next year will be just as prosperous or even better than 2011.

The figure of 83 per cent is up from 76 per cent in last year’s survey. Some 79 per cent of SMEs believe their businesses performed better in 2011 than expected.

Despite the optimistic outlook, austerity is still the focus for many of the businesses questioned; seven in ten SMEs do not plan to hire more staff in 2012 than they did in 2011.

Also, only a fifth (19 per cent) of companies believe that the London 2012 Olympics will benefit their business. Some 37 per cent of SMEs plan on offering their staff the opportunity to work flexibly during the Olympics, in order for them to enjoy the event.

Martin Stiven, vice president of business at Orange says, ‘It is encouraging to see that despite a challenging climate, the UK’s SMEs are optimistic about the year ahead. But while ‘austerity’ will no doubt continue to be a buzz word next year, it is vital that businesses don’t stop investing in their companies.’

See also: SMEs expect bureaucracy increase