The results of our ninth QCA/BDO Small and Mid-Cap Sentiment Index are out and show that confidence in the small and mid-cap quoted company sector has jumped up, with companies predicting strong turnover and job growth over the next 12 months.
While we continued to track key components of business sentiment this quarter, we also asked small and mid-cap quoted companies and their advisors for their views on the 2014 Budget and the City of London. Some highlights from the results include:
- 83% of small and mid-cap quoted companies are optimistic about their own business prospects.
- 72% of small and mid-cap quoted companies expect to increase headcount in the next 12 months, with the average expected change in employment growth put at +5.77%.
- 34% of companies would like to see additional Employers NIC reductions/rebates for businesses that take on new workers or export announced in the Chancellor’s 2014 Budget.
- 94% of small and mid-cap quoted companies believe that the City of London (banks, insurers, investors, advisors etc.) has a positive impact on the UK economy.
- 85% of small and mid-cap quoted companies believe that the City of London (banks, insurers, investors,advisors etc.) has a positive impact on the European economy as a whole.
- 46% of small and mid-cap quoted companies are considering raising capital in the next 12 months, up 3% on October 2012.
- Small and mid-cap companies believe that private equity, bank finance, listed debt issuance and public equity is easier to obtain since July.
- 79% of small and mid-cap quoted companies are optimistic about prospects for the UK economy over the next 12 months – up 12% on July.
- 82% of small and mid-cap quoted companies expect sales to grow in the next 12 months, with the average expected growth in turnover put at +14.75%.
You can read more by downloading our report.
Thank you to those that participated. We welcome your feedback on any aspects of the survey, the report, or relevant issues affecting the sector – please email us.
Our next QCA/BDO Small and Mid-Cap Sentiment Index will take place in January 2014. So please help us make the voice of the small and mid-cap quoted company sector heard and participate next time too.
You can find out more about the survey by visiting www.bdoqcasentimentindex.co.uk or by following @QCAandBDO on twitter. Thank you again for your support.
