Entrepreneurs' confidence falls but plans remain

CONFIDENCE has fallen among members of a North East business group, though more than half still feel optimistic for the year ahead, a new survey suggests.

- GRAEME WHITFIELD

The latest Entrepreneurs' Forum survey found that 58 per cent of its members - typically high-growth companies in the North East - are feeling either optimistic or very optimistic about the year ahead. That figure has been as high as 80 per cent in previous years but fell after last year's Budget.

Forum members cited tough trading conditions, ongoing uncertainty and concern that the upcoming autumn budget could further impact performance as reasons for feeling less confident. There was a rise in respondents who said Government policies were adversely affecting their businesses.