A BUSINESSWOMAN is hoping to continue her positive start to 2017 over the coming 12 months.

The latest SME Growth Tracker predicts growing business confidence for the year.

Hazel Reynolds owns Gamely, which sells family game Randomise.

The Brighton-based business launched in 2015 and now sells products on Amazon Marketplace.

Hazel said: “Gamely launched in 2015 and had a fantastic 2016.

“We’re hopeful that we will continue to grow in 2017 by increasing turnover through selling our products around the world.

“The first quarter has been encouraging, helping us bring on two new members of staff, and we’re looking forward to a great 2017.

“The rapidly developing world of e-commerce is one of the main reasons we’ve been able to grow so quickly. With Amazon Marketplace we export products from Brighton to customers around the world.

“Having access to millions of potential customers around the world will help fuel the growth of not just my company, but thousands of SMEs in the South East and across the UK.”

The SME Growth Tracker found:

l SMEs in the South East are expecting business conditions to improve in the next 12 months

l SMEs expect revenue to increase by 2.5 per cent in the next 12 months

l They anticipate that they will increase headcount by 1.3 per cent in the coming 12 months

l Profits predicted to rise.

Simon Johnson, UK director of seller services, Amazon, said: “We are seeing a big rebound in confidence among British SMEs after a significant decline in December, but small businesses leaders remain concerned about the impact of rising supply costs and higher price inflation.

“Small businesses are optimistic but do see potential risks.”

Emma Jones MBE, founder of Enterprise Nation and HM Government’s Crown Representative for Small Business, added: “The SME community powers Britain’s economy and continues to show resilience in the face of uncertain times.

“But the Government must take heed of increasing concerns about the negative impact of rising supply costs on small business. This year in particular, they are facing increasing responsibility for a number of issues including auto enrolment for pensions.

“We want to make sure the Government understands the important role they play in the British economy and listens with conviction to their opportunities and challenges.”