When companies are feeling optimistic about future trading conditions, they are more likely to make plans for growth. To help them realise their ambitions, they may need to take advantage of temporary office buildings to house additional personnel.
These days, it is simple for firms to access portable buildings quickly and easily, and without spending too much money.
Demand for such buildings may be high at present among enterprises in the UK. The latest figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) show that companies are feeling positive about the future.
Its Small Business Index of confidence was up for the fourth consecutive quarter and, year-on-year, it increased by 27.2 points. In the fourth quarter of this year, the index stood at +21.6. This compared with -5.6 during the same three-month period in 2012.
According to the FSB, this optimism was reflected in every region of the country and in each business sector.
The organisation also suggested that, thanks to the increased confidence, more small companies are planning to invest in and explore the global trade market. It stated that businesses expect to see rapid or moderate expansion over the next year. Furthermore, one in ten firms reported running above capacity, while a third were running at full capacity.
Taking on more staff
Highlighting the potential need for extra office space, 23.1 per cent of firms revealed they intend to boost capital investment over the next 12 months and businesses also want to take on more staff. The FSB noted that many companies may want to employ extra workers ahead of the Employment Allowance, which comes into effect in April next year.
Solid foundations
Responding to the findings, FSB national chairman John Allan said: “Confidence has been in positive territory for a full year, giving economic growth solid foundations moving into 2014. Small firms are creating more jobs and investing in their business and there are encouraging results behind the headline figures, with promising trends evident across the main areas of expansion, investment and employment.”
He added: “Government must not be complacent – helpful initiatives were announced in the Autumn Statement, particularly on business rates. This, alongside the refocusing of Funding for Lending, should continue to keep small firms in the spotlight.”
However, adding a note of caution, Mr Allan remarked: “A sustained recovery is perhaps some way off as the worldwide economy remains uncertain.”
Flexibility
Having the desire to expand is one thing, but firms need access to the necessary resources if they are to grow their operations. This is where portable buildings can prove useful. Temporary office space can be quick to construct, and firms can access the additional working areas without spending too much money.
This can provide them with the flexibility they need to boost their output. Of course, for the best results it is important that managers select temporary offices of a suitably high standard that perfectly meet their needs. By heading online, bosses can peruse their options and they should not struggle to find what they are after.
About the Author – Anna Longdin is a freelance blogger who has written widely on the subject of portable buildings a variety of leading sites, including Springfield.