Partner Article

UK small businesses confident for the New Year

Three quarters of UK businesses are confident about their prospects in the New Year, according to a Christmas poll from Orange. New equipment or technology and extra holidays are top of the UK’s business wish list for Christmas this year.

When asked what is most likely to impact on business performance in 2008, businesses identified the credit crunch and weaker customer confidence as likely to have the biggest impact. The UK’s businesses would also welcome more support from Gordon Brown, with just under two thirds (62%) saying they do not believe that the government is providing enough genuine support.

One fifth of respondents (21%) expect the proposed Capital Gains Tax reforms announced in the pre-budget report to negatively impact business, but two fifths (40%) say it will have no influence at all.

Neil Laidler, director of enterprise development and sales, Orange Business Services UK, said: “It is great to see that spirits are high for the forthcoming year - particularly in light of the current unpredictable economic climate - but it’s clear that many businesses recognise that the latest technology can give them a competitive advantage and help them stay ahead of the game in 2008. It is also good to see that small businesses agree with the PM - that a holiday is also at top of the Christmas list.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .