SMEs display increased optimism regarding the business environment

Despite having some rather low expectations regarding actual growth, the general level of optimism regarding the overall business environment has increased among small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) the first time since April 2012, new research reveals.

As media report reveals, the latest 'SME Trends Survey' from the CBI, covering the three months to July, suggests that the SMEs are actually more confident in terms of future business prospects, despite recording a rather low level of activity during the same period. However, manufacturing companies have tempered their expectations, and, unfortunately, headcount for the rest of the year might also fall slightly.

Anna Leach, CBI head of economic analysis, said: "Despite another disappointing quarter for small and medium-sized manufacturers, with output continuing to fall, optimism about the general business situation has risen for the first time since spring last year. Firms expect demand to improve both at home and abroad and production to stabilise over the next three months."

"But manufacturers remain concerned about the impact of political and economic conditions overseas on external demand, reflecting on-going uncertainty about the global economic outlook," she added.

As the research reveals, total new orders fell but the pressure on margins eased. Nevertheless, in spite of a small drop in finance-related constraints, investment plans remained broadly unchanged.

A higher level of optimism among SMEs could also result into further investments into their workforce management, time and attendance and access control solutions, all of which can offer very good long-term returns, and this is specifically the area where Tensor can put its extensive experience to very good use.

If you'd like to get further details on the very comprehensive solutions supplied by Tensor plc and just how they can help your company become more efficient and save money, just contact us or Book a Demo, our team of dedicated representatives will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and queries.