US small biz filled with optimism

A survey of small businesses in the US has revealed optimism about prospects for the year ahead and almost half expect to take on more staff. 62 per cent of small and medium businesses (SMBs) believe business will improve this year.

Respondents to the survey also believe they need technology which as least as good as that used by large corporations.

IT spending will also increase in the upcoming year. The survey found 44 per cent of those surveyed believe spending on IT will rise by 10 per cent and 17 per cent believe spending will increase between 11 and 20 per cent.

Small business depends on local resellers and consultants. According to the survey 85 per cent of US small businesses depend on local experts to keep systems running - most SMBs do not have their own staff to install and configure IT equipment.

The survey was carried out by Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates in early May. It was paid for by HP in time for Small Business Week which will rock the US next week. They talked to 501 senior figures at small and medium businesses - defined as companies with less than 999 employees. ®

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