FORTY one per cent of companies in the North West are enjoying increases in sales, according to a new survey from Lloyds TSB Commercial.
The Business in Britain survey, which polls 2,000 companies with annual turnovers of between £2 million and £10 million, also revealed 27 per cent of firms in the region have increased staff numbers during the six months to December 2000.
And 21 per cent are also expecting to create further employment during the next six months.
Overall, the survey disclosed a four per cent year-on-year increase in the number of companies reporting profit increases while 29 per cent of businesses across the region have increased investment during the last six months.
Other findings include 42 per cent of firms reporting increased orders during the same period and only 15 per cent encountering cash flow problems, the lowest level across the whole of the UK.
Derek Woodhead, Lloyds TSB Commercial area director, said: "Companies across the region are operating in very competitive markets, yet the general picture is one of buoyancy and prosperity.
"Tough trading conditions have had a serious impact on many firms, but clearly the region's small-medium sized enterprises are fighting back."
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