Although the FTSE 100 index recently closed above 6,000 points for the first time since 2008, many firms are still cautiously optimistic about what the New Year will bring. 53 per cent of the 5,000 business leaders we polled recently told us that they're not sure what to expect.
We found that companies in Yorkshire are most upbeat, with 54 per cent of business leaders in the region saying that they are confident that 2011 will be a good year. However, their views were not shared by their counterparts in Wales. Our survey revealed that businesses in Wales are the least optimistic, with two-thirds admitting that they hold concerns about the state of the UK's economy and how it may impact the profitability of their business.
When asked what was on their wish list for 2011, we found that 72 per cent of business leaders are hoping to see greater demand from the private sector. And 45 per cent would like banks to offer business customers more help financially.
Access to high-speed business broadband also proved to be in high demand, with one in four business leaders saying that enhanced communications would make their business more competitive. This is not too surprising if you consider that many companies are now looking to boost their profits by reaching a wider audience online and engaging in social media conversations.
With many businesses planning to make strategic appointments in 2011, the availability of highly skilled workers will continue to be a key concern for companies this year, but with a number of talented IT professionals migrating from the public sector, the skills gap should lessen. This influx of new talent, combined with advances in technology, could provide firms with just what they need to succeed.
How well do you think your business will fare this year? Or do you think it's too early to tell?
