Firms 'increasing focus on marketing'

Date: 10th March 2010

Marketing and sales are becoming increasingly important for smaller companies in the UK as they attempt to cope with difficult trading conditions.

That is according to a new report from the Forum for Private Businesses (FPB), which found that the majority of firms believe investing in these areas will be beneficial.

More than half (56 per cent) of organisations interviewed expect their turnover to increase this year, while 44 per cent said they anticipate business growth.

Thomas Parry, research manager at the FPB, said that the results of the survey indicate that a "healthy amount of fighting spirit" exists among Britain's smaller firms.

"We appear to be seeing an upturn in confidence … and by investing in sales and marketing strategies, small business owners are showing determination and entrepreneurial flair," he added.

"Much of this optimism is based on the hope of a recovering economy and increased business and consumer confidence. Political, economic and currency stability are all important too, with a proportion of businesses suffering from the weak pound."