ECA Quarterly Business Trends Survey
Results for quarter 1 2008
The results of the first quarter Business Trends Survey for 2008 are now available.
The data is split into nine key sections: small, medium, large and very large companies and also companies in the areas of North, West, South East, Midlands and East and Greater London – as well as the national picture, below.
Click the relevant link in the right hand column to find specific details on the results for each section. Alternatively, download the report here.
National picture: key findings
The key findings for quarter 1 2008 are set out below.
- In the first quarter of 2008, the balance of companies reporting an increase in turnover rather than a decrease was down to 3%. In Q4 2008 the figure was15%. Companies in the North and in Greater London were the most optimistic.
- Expectations for the second quarter of 2008, were similar to those in the previous survey with a small balance expecting an increase in turnover. The Midlands & East area is the most optimistic while the South East is the least optimistic.
- Expectations for the next 12 months are now at their lowest level for six years. In the latest survey the level of optimism has fallen dramatically. The balance is now -9% compared to +16% in the previous survey as illustrated in the chart.
- The Very Large companies are still positive about the next twelve months, though the less so than in the previous survey. The Small, Medium and Large companies are much more pessimistic.
- Of those making comments a quarter remarked on the downturn in business although half that number said the level of business was unchanged with a few even reporting an increase.
National picture: actual turnover change in last quarter and actual and expected turnover change – balance*.
*Balance: for each question on the survey, respondents were asked whether values would be more, less or the same as in previous periods. The difference between more or less is referred to as the balance.
For any further information on the topic, please contact Steve Newbold, ECA Head of Marketing, at steve.newbold@eca.co.uk.