Pictured above: Alan Webb
The latest quarterly report from RSM Tenon's Business Barometer
has revealed that 53% of Midlands entrepreneurs are confident about
potential opportunities for their business over the next three
months. This compares to only 36% in the north and 38% in the
south.
The Business Barometer, an independent think tank made up of
representatives from across the UK's business community,
commissioned the quarterly research to survey all business sectors
across England, Scotland and Wales to give a representative picture
of the British economy.
Alan Webb, West Midlands regional director at RSM Tenon, said:
"Nationally, concerns over interest rates, the threat of inflation
and higher taxes are all starting to take their toll on the
entrepreneurial spirit. However, Midlands businesses seem to be
confident about future opportunities. This bodes well for future
growth across the region.
On a less positive note, employment figures in the Midlands look
set to stay mainly static as 54% of businesses have no plans to
change the size of their workforce. However, 23% do expect to
boost staff numbers whereas only 6% plan to reduce numbers.
Nationally, at a high 40%, businesses in the South are shown to be
the most likely to increase the size of their workforce.
Alan added: "The survey's figures also show that the wage freeze
is still in effect in the as 74% of business owners plan to keep
wages at the same level while 18% of staff are likely to see a
reduction in their bonus."