Business Trends Survey results for very large companies
The ECA Business Trends Survey is undertaken quarterly with ECA members. It tracks business performance in the latest quarter, as well as expectations for both the next quarter and the next 12 months, and looks at turnover and orders received/expected.
Very large companies are classified as those with an annual turnover exceeding £5m.
- Since Q3 2006 these companies have shown a consistent balance reporting an increase in turnover compared to the previous quarter. This has continued in the current survey though with a slight decrease in the level.
- The current balance between growth and decline, at 30%, is still substantial with only 20% of companies reporting a decrease in their turnover.
- The expected balance for turnover in the next quarter at 20% is the same as in the last survey.
- The level of enquiries has declined steadily in recent surveys.
- In recent surveys these companies have remained optimistic about the next 12 months with a balance of around 40% in the last survey. This balance has now fallen back substantially to about 10% although 45% of companies still expect to see an increase in their turnover in the next 12 months.
Very large companies: 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.
If you would like to view the graph charting expectations in turnover change for very large companies for the next 12 months, or would like any further information on the topic, please contact Steve Newbold, ECA Head of Marketing, at steve.newbold@eca.co.uk.