ECONOMIC realities are taking little toll on festivities in Cambridgeshire businesses, according to the latest survey from the regional Business Link service. And many firms still look back on 2009 as being a positive year for their business. Recent news

ECONOMIC realities are taking little toll on festivities in Cambridgeshire businesses, according to the latest survey from the regional Business Link service. And many firms still look back on 2009 as being a positive year for their business.

Recent news suggests that this year's unstable economy has led to companies scaling back their festive celebrations: however, findings from a recent survey from Business Link in the East of England highlight that only 20 per cent of Cambridgeshire's businesses have done so. Half of businesses represented in the survey are conducting festivities, including a staff party, as usual.

On the whole, the picture is a particularly good one for all respondents, with 100 per cent of corporate card and gift-giving traditions remaining unchanged by the recession. Thirty per cent of respondents' businesses have had a predominantly positive year, and a further fifth reveal that their businesses have thriven regardless of the recession; and 70 per cent are optimistic about 2010.

In spite of this, the downturn has resulted in one in 10 businesses in Cambridgeshire closing for longer than usual over this year's Christmas period.

Pat Smith, chief executive of Business Link in the East of England, reflected: "Looking back over the past 12 months, Cambridgeshire businesses have told us that it has been a challenging year, but they're optimistic about growth into the future. This is great news for them, the local community and the economy.

"During 2009 we flexed our services to meet the needs of businesses to give them the tailored support they wanted to help them survive and plan for the future. Our free workshops, experienced Business Link Advisers, web-based resources and information service have all been available to and accessed by businesses, and will continue to be there to help them plan for and into 2010," he added.

INFORMATION: Business Link online is at www.businesslink.gov.uk/east or on 08457 17 16 15 to speak to an adviser.