Business optimism has hit its highest level since 2000 as economic growth picks up, a new survey claims.
The improving world economic environment, particularly in Asia, the US and most recently Europe, is paving the way for a stronger period of trading for UK businesses, according to the latest BDO Stoy Hayward Business Trends Report,
A fall in sterling's strength against the euro and recent stock market gains are also significantly improving business prospects, the BDO's "poll of polls" said.
But BDO joined City experts in predicting a quarter-point rise in interest rates on Thursday to cool consumer spending and house price rises.
Peter Hemington, partner at BDO Stoy Hayward, said: "The future at last looks brighter.
"However, we'd like to see a few more quarters of strong growth before we can be sure we're back to booming Britain."
Monday November 03, 2003
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