13/12/2010
Small and medium sized businesses are feeling optimistic about 2011, with 26 per cent of firms planning to employ more staff in 2011 than they did this year.
As reported by Start Ups, Orange conducted a poll of more than 2,100 UK SMEs; 76 per cent predicted their business would either experience the same level of success as in 2010, or would benefit from a more prosperous year in 2011.
According to the survey results, the main priorities for most firms next year is to introduce flexible working options. Seventy-four per cent of respondents said they were planning the new options for 2011, stating that staff efficiency was the main reason for doing so.
Business owners increasingly want to provide flexible working tools for their staff, 52 per cent of those surveyed said they planned to spend more on their companies IT system. Most companies singled out communication equipment as the top technology to support their business, those wanting to purchase new communications equipment can use sales finance as a way of funding them.
Martin Lyne the SME marketing director of Everything Everywhere which runs Orange UK said: "These results provide an interesting snapshot into SMEs' plans for 2011 and it's great to see that businesses are positive about next year."
"What is also encouraging is the overwhelming number of companies that plan to introduce flexible working. It demonstrates a strong desire to drive a more efficient business and is also a great way to help employees strike the right work/life balance," he added.
Hannah McLaverty-Williamson