Swindon & Wiltshire News
Seven in ten firms expect significant growth in 2013 – report
Seven out of ten Wiltshire businesses are expecting significant growth this year compared to 50 percent in 2012, according to the findings of the 2013 White Horse Employment Business Outlook Survey.
Following the success of the 2012 report, a recent snapshot of local businesses and their outlook has been completed by Trowbridge-based White Horse Employment, which invited over 1,500 businesses to take part.
The survey also raised valuable funds for charity, with White Horse Employment making a donation to Comic Relief for every completed survey received.
Business confidence remains optimistic throughout 2013, with 70 percent of respondents predicting growth in 2013, and revealing that despite the economic “ups and downs”, six in ten organisations saw an increase in their turnover in 2013 from 2012, an increase of 16.5 percent of organisations that reported growth for the previous year.
With only 16.7 percent of organisations reporting a decrease in their net profit, a significant reduction from 28.4 percent the previous year, indications of growth within Wiltshire’s local businesses is encouraging.
With regards to workplace planning, almost half, (47.7 percent) of respondents predicted an increase in staffing levels in 2013, an increase from three in ten in 2012, with 13 percent saying they expected to take on apprentices.
Beverley Glover, managing director of White Horse Employment, said: “It is clear that a more positive set of findings have resulted this year, with most organisations predicting increased results both in terms of turnover and net profit.
“On the jobs front, there is an encouraging view for the local community and its inhabitants, with job prospects looking brighter through growth in 2013 and beyond.”
For a copy of the 2013 Business Outlook Survey Report, contact Emma Roberts, support services manager, at emma.roberts@wh-employment.co.uk
