A survey conducted by accountancy firm Grant Thornton has shown that New Zealand businesses are feeling optimistic about business in 2010. Two-thirds of the total 200 business respondents said they feel more optimistic than they felt last year.
The country has also climbed to seventh place in a list of the world’s most optimistic countries, out of 36 surveyed. This ranking is especially significant considering that, in 2009, New Zealand had only managed to get to the bottom third.
For Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O’Reilly, this increase in business confidence is very positive news for the country, as it means more companies are likely to hire and invest.
O’Reilly has also stated that many local businesses are likely to feel more optimistic since they have not been as affected by the recession as businesses in the US and Europe.
