Hitachi Capital Business Finance research has found that 44% of SMEs in transport and distribution are optimistic about the prospect of growth over the next three months.

Only 13% predicted contraction.

The findings were part of Hitachi’s five-year tracking study of the economic outlook of small businesses, in which is asked 1,177 SME owners for their views.

Gavin Wraith-Carter, managing director at Hitachi Capital Business Finance, said: “It is clear from our latest data that small businesses in some sectors are feeling vulnerable and, for many, Brexit uncertainty main be exacerbating their concerns.

“That said, there are many small businesses that are already going towards uncertainty, seeing it as an opportunity to grow and seize market share.

“Small business owners in the transport and distribution sector show that there is still plenty of room for opportunity and optimism even while many among us fear uncertainty.”

 

Q1 2019 sector outlook on growth

	% predicting growth	% predicting contraction
Manufacturing	46%	10%
Health	46%	17%
Transport & Distribution	44%	13%
IT & Telecoms	42%	17%
Finance & Accounting	40%	13%
Real Estate	40%	10%
Legal	39%	14%
Education	36%	22%
Construction	35%	15%
Retail	35%	25%
Media	32%	16%
Hospitality and Leisure	25%	15%
Agriculture	24%	12%