BUSINESSES in the East of England are among the most optimistic anywhere in the UK about current trading conditions, according to a new survey.

Asked if they thought business was getting easier now, nearly a third of companies questioned in the East of England (28.4%) replied positively, the joint highest response in the country alongside the North West.

More than four out of 10 businesses in the region (41.2%) are confident of growth in the next 12 months and only 6% of the companies in the East of England are fearful that they will go out of business within the year.

According to the new research, carried out for Clydesdale Bank, a third of businesses in the region (33.3%) believe their company will continue to operate at current levels, while only one in five (19.6%) think their business will see a reduction in trade.

Mel Barker, managing partner at Clydesdale Bank’s financial solutions centres in Suffolk, said: “It has clearly been a challenging time for the region’s businesses and times will continue to be tough. While it remains important for businesses to retain a grounded and balanced perspective, a growing number will be looking at how they can take advantage of emerging market opportunities.”

“While most businesses are confident that they will succeed, ensuring they have the right level of support is key. Clydesdale Bank’s Investing for Growth initiative is designed to help businesses to take advantage of quality growth opportunities.