Small businesses have had a confident start to 2015, according to the first quarter results from the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Small Business Index.<\/p>\n
Small firms are taking advantage of current economic conditions and using lower business costs as an opportunity to hire more staff and invest more money.<\/p>\n
The Index shows that confidence levels are 28.7 points up, which is 11.1 up on the last quarter. This is slightly lower than the same period 12 months ago, though, when the index measured at 35.7.<\/p>\n
More small firms have been increasing their headcount, resulting in a net balance of 4.2 per cent having done so over the last three months. This is up from 2.1 per cent recorded a year ago.<\/p>\n
Commenting on the results of the latest FSB Small Business Index, national chairman of the FSB John Allan said: \u201cOur latest results once again paint a positive picture for small businesses with confidence amongst members remaining high, and nearly all the major indicators heading in a positive direction.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Small Business Index shows that lower business costs are enabling employers to hire new staff, showing the substantial impact small firms are having on growing the UK\u2019s economy. It is also incredibly encouraging to see the banks approving more credit for small firms, suggesting we may have finally turned a corner on this front.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Allan said that the skills shortage is a concern as staff members with the right skills are crucial. He said that these workers are \u201ccritical\u201d for getting the UK to close the productivity gap.<\/p>\n
Those who are already in work are reaping the rewards though with businesses raising their staff pay.<\/p>\n
Accommodation and food, manufacturing and construction are the sectors where pay has risen the most.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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