RECRUITERS and jobseekers in the South-West have been boosted by the findings of the National Business Survey that suggests confidence is returning to many parts of the economy.

The South-West Regional Development Agency’s survey, which was undertaken late last year and published this week, shows that about three quarters of companies in the South-West expect business conditions to remain the same or to improve over the next 12 months.

This compares with the more than half which expected a deterioration a year earlier.

The most optimistic sector is transportation/storage followed by financial intermediation, manufacturing and distribution.

In addition, 61% of businesses expect employment levels to remain stable.

The survey was undertaken on behalf of the RDA network by Ipsos Mori and, in the South-West, involved the surveying of over 450 businesses.

Shane Vallance, a senior economist at the South-West RDA, said: “The survey found that about seven businesses in 10 in the region remain confident that they are either very well or fairly well placed to weather any further downturn. Whilst there is continued weakness for some, many businesses are confident they will survive and grow in the recovery.

“We remain concerned that the investment intentions of our businesses remain low, and this was confirmed last week by the very weak investment data for the last three months of 2009.”

If you’re recruiting, advertise here – call 01823-365000 for details.