SMEs 'are gaining confidence'

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are becoming more confident as business activity picks up in the UK and across Europe, the managing director of UKTI has stated.

Rosa Wilkinson, speaking ahead of the European Business Awards, suggested that the firms that are set to thrive in the aftermath of the global downturn are those that constantly strive to identify new customers, whether they happen to be in Britain or in countries with an emerging middle class that has a significant disposable income, such as in Brazil or the Middle and Far East.

She pointed out that there is a growing awareness among SMEs that a genuinely global supply chain can present plenty of opportunities for business prospects.

Adrian Tripp, chief executive officer of the awards, agreed that the business community can play a vital role in creating wealth in European economies and suggested that it is important to encourage and recognise companies that are doing well so that their achievements can be highlighted to others.

Ms Wilkinson explained that this can set a good example to the multitude of businesses that could export but do not yet do so.

Research by the European Business Awards revealed that four out of five companies have predicted growth over the next 12 months and have embarked on a programme of aggressive business planning in order to drive activity.