Cambs business confidence steadily increasing

CONFIDENCE grew steadily over the course of 2009, according to a review of the year by the Government-backed advice service, Business Link for the East of England.

In February, Business Link reported that, unsurprisingly, money-saving was high on the agenda of the region's businesses. In April however, it was recognised that many businesses were paying out for advice that Business Link could provide free.

As the class of 2009 graduated over the summer, jobs for 16-25 year olds were (and still are) few and far between, BLE said. Business Link encouraged graduates to start their own businesses.

An October survey from Business Link revealed strong survival characteristics from the region's businesses, painting a bright post-recession picture.

And, in November, with less than 1,000 days to go until the 2012 Olympic Games, the regional business support service prompted SMEs in Cambridgeshire to register on 'CompeteFor' for tender opportunities around the games.

Asked to summarise 2009, business comments from firms in Cambridgeshire included: "Steady and safe;" "Our best year on record: we've doubled profit and turnover and are still recruiting staff;" "The business has grown at the same rate as previous years;" and "Started slowly and picked up. Companies started hiring again. 2009 will not be as good as 2008, but we have not had to lose any staff."

Pat Smith, Chief Executive of Business Link in the East of England, said: "2009 has been a year of mixed challenges and achievements for many of the region's businesses. For some, economic realities left them fighting for survival, whereas others experienced growth that exceeded forecasts and expectations."

INFORMATION: Business Link is on 08457 17 16 15, at www.businesslink.gov.uk/east or e-mail questions@businesslinkeast.org.uk