Small firms confident about UK economy

The monitor also reveals that 25% of small firms plan to increase their capital expenditure over the next six months and 95% predict they will not be making any jobs cuts.

"SMEs have played a really crucial role in getting the UK through the recession and their optimism for the future is just as important. By continuing their positive outlook, SMEs will be able to step forward with confidence, make new plans and continue to prosper into 2010," said Noel Quinn, head of commercial banking UK at HSBC.