Business West 'quietly confident'
Many businesses in the South West are "quietly confident" of success in the new year despite a "rollercoaster" 2011.
Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, said that although there is still a "perceptible fear that the financial crisis is entering a new stage", business in the region should "stand up for itself and reinforce its central role in both wealth creation and job creation".
"In 2011 the business community had a tough time, with economic recession, high unemployment, high inflation, national strike action and falling sales," he said.
"And all this against a backdrop of a government talking of putting private sector jobs growth at the top of its agenda and protesting how critical business is to our local and national economy.
"2012 needs to be the year for business where we all recognise that business is good for Britain and work together to promote and support business growth."
