02/07/2009 - Small firms see trading recovery
Small businesses in the UK that suffered amid the global financial crisis last year are seeing better trading and economic conditions this year, according to a new survey.
A poll of 4,400 firms by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) showed that most of them were now reporting a "tentative recovery" in trading.
It found that only a quarter of the surveyed firms are still worried about their finances - an improvement from the previous year's figure of 40%.
John Wright, chairman of the FSB, said: "Small businesses are naturally flexible and innovative in recessions and these figures show that despite the very many negative forces on them, they are being cautiously optimistic and are looking to expand."
He said that companies are seeing "increased footfall" this year and are also finding it easier to raise finance since hitting a low point at the end of 2008.
He added: "The Government must look to small businesses to build the post recession economy and help them employ more people and ease the bureaucracy and tax burdens which many still face."
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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