Scotland's
businesses remain optimistic about future growth despite increasing political
and economic uncertainty, according to new research.
Business advisors Grant Thornton found more than half of
business leaders questioned were confident about the country's economy over the
next year.
It also found confidence was among the highest in Europe and
the G7.
However, there were signs political uncertainty was leading
firms to be more cautious on future investments.
The research revealed that only 34% of Scottish companies
planned to increase their number of employees in the coming year - 19% down on
2015.
'Warning signs'
Debbie Mayor, from Grant Thornton in Scotland, said the
latest set of data provided some reassurance during a time of great
uncertainty.
She said: "Businesses in Scotland remain resilient and
focused on driving forward their growth ambitions.
"But, despite that positive news, there are clearly
some warning signs.
"With relatively few companies planning to increase
employment and export figures falling short of what we might expect, it's clear
we need to address some of the critical issues facing the country's economy in
the coming months.
"It's particularly challenging for businesses to plan
ahead when potentially game-changing political decisions are anticipated, from
single market access to Scottish independence."
A
survey of nearly 400 firms published earlier this month suggested the
Scottish economy has been growing since the Brexit vote in June - but only at a
slow pace.
Firms reported generally weaker trends in both performance
and optimism than last year.
Source: BBC
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