Optimism from Scots business

By PERRY GOURLEY
Published on 21/08/2012 00:00

SCOTTISH businesses are among the most optimistic in the UK about their future growth prospects, according to research published by Santander today.

A survey found that companies with a turnover of up to £20 million expect to grow sales by an average of 88 per cent over the next five years.

Firms in Scotland which took part in the survey expected to increase sales by 91 per cent over the next five years, only behind London and the south-east.

Robin Foale, managing director of Santander business banking, said: “While businesses remain cautious in the short term, they are clearly optimistic in their longer-term prospects.”

The survey also found that one in five businesses believe sales will improve because of the Olympics and just over half say staff morale has benefitted.