BUSINESS CONFIDENCE HITS THREE-YEAR HIGH, SAYS NEW STUDY

That’s according to research published by software specialist Sage.

The survey of over 11,000 small and medium-sized companies in 17 countries revealed scores recorded this year were at their highest since Sage’s Business Index began in February 2011, suggesting that confidence is recovering following the global economic crisis.

OPTIMISTIC
UK businesses are increasingly optimistic about their own prospects, recording scores of 62.55 out of 100 (up from 58.46 in 2012), the highest score recorded in all Eurozone countries.

Similarly, confidence in the UK economy has risen 8.51 points in the last 12 months to 53.95, while faith in the global economy is returning, rising 7.39 points in the last year to 51.10.
RISK AVERSE
However, in spite of greater optimism UK companies describe themselves as among the most risk averse in the world.

39 per cent of UK business leaders described themselves as risk averse, compared to a global average of 32 per cent, placing Britain second only to Austria (48 per cent) when it comes to avoiding making risky decisions.