Business in Bracknell is starting to pick up with industry bodies and firms reporting signs the economy is improving.

The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, which includes a number of Bracknell businesses, has revealed a survey by one of its members, the business advisory group Vantis, shows 68 of 100 business owners expect the economy to improve and their client base grow by the end of the year.

Another survey of South East businesses from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) shows confidence has increased by five per cent in the last quarter.

Trade improving say small firms

The institute’s Business Confidence Index has gone from 24.3 per cent to 29.8 per cent.

Just a year ago it was at minus 30 per cent.

The survey also reveals business turnover is expected to grow by 6.4 per cent in the next year.

Despite the good news, Fay Webster, ICAEW South East regional director, urged caution.

She said: “Businesses cannot allow themselves to be complacent and must remain cautious about the outlook, especially with further cuts expected from the Government that will no doubt affect the region. Until prospects for the future become clearer, South East businesses are continuing to manage risk, cut costs and not expose themselves to potential risks out of their control.

A spokeswoman for Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are pleased that the ICAEW survey has revealed business confidence in the South East. Our members are expressing cautious optimism but are waiting to see what measures the new Government will announce in next week’s budget.”

She said as well as the survey from Vantis, Bracknell Chamber of Commerce had also conducted a survey last week which showed some optimism.

In the survey, 70 of 100 business owners said they were hoping to expand their client base over the next year.

Mary Flavelle, who chairs the East Berkshire branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “Things are improving. There has always been money there, just look at how many holidays people are taking.

“The Government is still telling us we are in or around a recession, but people are being more confident. Instead of survival, it seems now people are looking to move forward.

“That’s not to say they don’t have to be cautious, as this recession has had a massive effect.

“I have really noticed how much more businesses are working together, which is good news.”

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