Small firms planning to raise investment levels

BUSINESS confidence is at its highest level in three years as employment, sales and export levels improve.

The second ISME quarterly trends survey said that the level of investment by firms fell slightly in the last three months but more companies anticipate increasing their investment levels over the next 12 months.

The small business group said the environment is still “extremely tough and demanding,” with two thirds of companies saying the future viability of their business is under threat.