May 21, 2004—The Business Confidence Index, produced quarterly by i-FM in association with Barclays Bank, rests at 78% for Q2 2004. But behind that figure there is substantial optimism for the coming months.
The BCI reflects the views of senior executives at the major UK FM players, tested on a regular basis and encompassing prospects for investment, new orders, turnover, staffing and margins.
Though 78% is low against the average over the past two years, Index participants are looking forward with a good degree of optimism. The majority of respondents, in considering the next three months, expect the business environment to improve, expect to increase their forward order books and their turnover, and also anticipate taking on more staff.
Reprinted with permission; copyright 2004 i-FM
