Business bosses in Shropshire today said there were signs of “growing optimism” from county companies as they struggle amid the longest recession since records began.
New research has revealed that firms are experiencing increased sales and increases in export orders in the last quarter of 2009.
The Shropshire Chamber of Commerce economic survey also showed “positive plans” by firms to invest in equipment and staff training in 2010.
Richard Sheehan, managing director of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Although we end the year with the UK economy still in recession, there are clear signs from the final quarter economic survey for 2009 of growing optimism amongst Shropshire businesses.
“We are pleased to report an increase in UK sales and both UK and export orders, together with positive plans for investment in equipment and staff training during the next six months.
“Business confidence is continuing to build with significantly more businesses expecting turnover and profitability to improve in the new year.”
The survey showed that within the service sector more jobs have been created over the last quarter than lost, but conditions were clearly still difficult within the manufacturing sector with job losses ahead of vacancies created.
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