Entrepreneurs to lead recovery

Across the world, entrepreneurs do not fear a double dip recession and expect to hire more people over the coming 12 months, finds research.

Some 80 per cent of entrepreneurs globally believe the economy of their own country will either improve or remain static over the coming quarter, with over a third (34 per cent) expecting an improvement, according to the survey from the Entrepreneurs' Organisation.

Over the coming 12 months, more than three quarters (76 per cent) of the 1,500 respondents expect to hire more staff, with 96 per cent overall reporting that no redundancies will be made in their companies.

Though still confident, European respondents are less optimistic than the overall sample, with 70 per cent predicting the economic environment will stay the same or improve compared to 80 per cent globally.

All respondents to the poll are from companies with a turnover of at least £1 million.