2014 could see more small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) investing in their operations to try to achieve growth, according to new research.
Aviva’s bi-annual SME Pulse has revealed over half (52 per cent) of firms surveyed are predicting an improved performance in the first six months of 2014. This represents a massive boost in confidence, given that in 2012, that figure stood at less than one-fifth (19 per cent).
Robert Ledger, head of small business at the insurer, said: “Our survey results also suggest SMEs on the whole are interpreting market conditions better, with almost two-thirds saying trading conditions in 2013 were largely as they expected them to be.”
The report also focused on what business owners thought the government should be doing to support their aspirations for growth.
Cutting red tape around tax and accounting was the most popular choice, closely followed by a reduction in VAT and more incentives for banks to lend to smaller firms.
Posted by the Secret Businessman