Big businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are more confident in the UK economy than before, the latest research has revealed.
They are optimistic about revenue increases, hiring new staff and budgets, according to a study from software development firm Spiceworks.
The survey of more than 500 IT professionals in UK SMEs and organisations with more than 1,000 employees found that half of the large organisations believe they are out of recession, while 30% of SMEs agreed the same.
The research also said IT workers from both businesses were optimistic about revenue growth opportunities in 2014. About 64% of large organisations and 50% of SMEs said they expect to revenues to increase in 2014.
Another 33% of SMEs and 35% of large organisations expect a higher budget for the incoming year, although 43% and 30% said they expect their budget to remain flat.
Hiring is also expected to increase, with 27% of large organisations and 39% of SMEs looking to hire new staff for 2014.
Mark Brown, director of Spiceworks UK, said: "The last five years have been challenging for the UK economy and the technology industry at large.
"Today’s survey highlights a growing sense of optimism among IT professionals that the UK economy is improving and investments in technology are paying dividends."
In relation to the government’s superfast broadband initiative already in development, 49% of SMEs see it as a growth-supporting policy compared to 19% of large organisations.
