The research also found that 1 in 3 SMEs are preparing for better times by training staff or investigating training options and over half expect to expand in the medium term. Other findings include:

• The Business/Financial services sector is the most optimistic - 1 in 5 intend to take on staff, which equates to over 60,000 jobs if each business takes on just one employee.
• Across all the sectors, 18% of SMEs expect to grow their staff numbers in 2010.
• 61% of those with growth ambitions indicated a need to seek business support.

Click the link below for a copy of the full report

South East Business Monitor from Business Link