The latest data from the Close Brothers Business Barometer reveals wholesalers have a more optimistic view of the UK’s economic recovery than in 2015, but businesses should not let a favourable outlook lead to complacency.
Key takeaways:
- Optimistic wholesalers will feel now is the time to invest in order to exploit growth opportunities
- Less optimistic firms will be focused on protecting margins and market share
- Wholesalers in both camps need want to be cautious in the months ahead
- Those committed to investing more in their businesses must be ready to respond in the event that the economic outturn is not as healthy as they expect – or they’ll find themselves exposed
- Those feeling more pessimistic need to be ready to turn on the investment tap if the economy improves more rapidly than they anticipate – or risk being left behind by those competitors that are now focused on growth
