UK firms more optimistic than rivals A poll by software firm Sage shows that British SMEs are more optimistic than global rivals. The survey of 12,000 small firms found that 71% of those in the UK were confident of business success. In the UK, 40% of small firms predict they will feel “very confident” about the success of their business at the end of this year, exceeding the 34% global average. It was also found that more than two-thirds expect their revenues to stay the same or increase next year, marking a 14% increase on a year ago. Around 60% of companies have seen rising costs this year, compared with a quarter in 2022. The Small Business, Big Opportunity report shows that firms which invested in equipment reported an average doubling in productivity, while those who adopted new technology saw an 84% increase. The poll also shows UK firms only plan to increase tech investment by 13% over the next 12 months, with this less than their European or US peers.