National chairman of the Federation of Small Business has announced new findings suggesting that although business confidence remains low, there are some positive signs for the year ahead.

During 2012, the UK briefly dropped back in recession, but trends they are seeing from their members suggest that the picture for 2013 is looking a little brighter.

This was all part of FSB Chairman John Walker’s New Year message, within which he also criticised the UK banking industry. He stated that many small businesses had been put under immense pressure due to the mis-selling of financial products, and there was much work to be done in order to re-build trust with small businesses.

The most recent statistics report that only 10% of small businesses with the FSB had stated they had gained easy access to the credit they need.

The Government didn’t escape criticism either, with Mr Walker stating he hoped they would provide the maximum amount of support for businesses in 2013.

“Confidence is still low, with many concerned about lack of demand and wider economic issues, but our members are heading into 2013 with more confidence than they did going into either 2011 or 2012. This is a move in the right direction and something the government must build on in the new year.”

We know that many of our customers are part of the Federation of Small Businesses, so you will have contributed to their reports. What is the future for business in 2013?