LEVELS of business output and new orders are the highest that they have been for small and medium sized enterprises in Bolton since the end of 1999.
That is the view of the PKF SME Index, a quarterly survey of 800 SMEs operating in the manufacturing, construction and service sectors, in the North-west.
The survey shows that because there was a climate of increased confidence more companies had found that clients were now prepared to spend on new contracts.
Previously, their caution had led them to make inquiries only about the possibility of fresh deals.
Tim Entwistle, the managing partner at PKF in Manchester, said: "This quarter's results are clear evidence that the sun is starting to shine again on Northern SMEs after a protracted gloomy period."
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