According to the Federation of Small Businesses\u2019 quarterly Small Business Index, the UK\u2019s small firms are showing increasing optimism for 2014, as businesses remain positive about the economic outlook.<\/p>\n
The organisation\u2019s latest research suggests small firms want to grow their business and are finding access to finance a little easier, with the measure of confidence rising to 21.6 in the last quarter of 2013, up from a minus figure of 5.6 in the last three months of 2012. In addition, as the FSB points out, the optimism is replicated in every region of the UK and in every business sector<\/p>\n
According to the report, this increased confidence means that more small firms are planning to invest in and explore the global trade market, with most firms expecting to see rapid or moderate expansion in the next 12 months.<\/p>\n
Alongside this, one in 10 businesses reported running above capacity, while a third are running at full capacity, both of which are the highest figures since the Small Business Index began in 2010.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, capital investment intentions continue to rise with almost a quarter of those polled expecting to invest in the next year. Businesses also reported wanting to take on more staff.<\/p>\n
Encouragingly, the number of firms refused their credit application is the joint lowest share since the start of 2012. Although only 16 per cent of respondents had applied for credit in the quarter, reported rises in turnover and profitability, as well as stronger growth aspirations, means firms could be paying for investment out of existing sources of capital.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, those businesses accepted for finance reported cheaper interest rates being charged, a direct result of Funding for Lending (FLS). The FSB said it hopes that the re-allocation of FLS funds to SME lending will mean the banks make finance available to more small firms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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