The majority of small companies in the UK remain bullish about their prospects for 2008, according to the Orange SMS Business Jury poll.
The survey, which was produced for The Observer newspaper, suggested that 75% of small firms were optimistic that 2008 would be a good year for them, putting fears of a global recession sparked by the recent credit crunch to one side.
In fact, the biggest concern small business owners have right now is making sure they get enough time off to take a holiday, with 27% putting this as their main request.
"It is great to see that spirits are high for the forthcoming year, particularly in light of the current unpredictable economic climate," said Neil Laidler of Orange Business Services UK.
"It's also good to see that small businesses agree with the prime minister that a holiday is at the top of their wishlist."
But small businesses are wary of the economic climate, the research revealed. Almost a quarter (23%) pointed to the credit crunch and consumer confidence as the issues that would affect them most in 2008, while 19% cited the amount of red tape they have to deal with and 10% were concerned with the impact a weak dollar would have.
The CBI recently downgraded its economic forecasts for 2008 to just 2% growth; the third time it has been forced to alter its predictions in the light of economic developments.
The Orange SMS Business Jury consists of around 1,000 business owners and managers from companies employing fewer than 250 people.
