Cautious optimism for small businesses in 2013

John Walker, the National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, struck an optimistic note in his New Year Message, despite tough economic times.

He said: “Small firms have risen to the challenge – many have diversified and tried to grow. The signs are cautiously optimistic as we move into a New Year – after starting 2012 in recession, growth has edged back into positive territory and unemployment has fallen this year.

“We launched a comprehensive report looking at the very significant role small firms’ play in employment and job creation. It showed overwhelmingly that small firms are more likely to employ of the long-term unemployed and people that might find it difficult to gain employment. Almost nine in 10 people that go back to work in the private sector are employed by a small business – a clear indication of the importance of the 4.8 million small firms in the economy and their role in the recovery.

“Our Voice of Small Business Index – now entering its fourth year – shows business want to grow and invest in 2013. Confidence is still low, with many concerned about lack of demand and wider economic issues, but our members are heading into 2013 with more confidence than they did going into either 2011 or 2012. This is a move in the right direction and something the Government must build on in the New Year.”