Image via WikipediaYell, says in its report: "We are beginning to see a return of customer confidence," Chief Financial Officer John Davis told Reuters by phone. "But we're quite cautious about calling a significant upturn."
UK-based Yell makes half its revenues in the U.S., about 30 percent in Britain, and the rest in Spain and Latin America. Davis said the trend was improving in all its markets.
According to surveys, British business confidence climbed to a six-year high in the fourth quarter. But U.S. small-business sentiment stalled in December, hurt by weak sales and worries about government policies.
This backs up an earlier report n December last year. The Lloyds TSB Business in Britain survey found that 21 per cent of firms are now expecting an upturn in sales over the next six months - up from just one per cent half a year ago.
The overall confidence index rose to 16 per cent - a significant increase on the record low of -32 per cent at this point in 2008.
Another report earlier this year reported that employers and recruitment agencies are starting to see greater demand for staff, according to one labour market expert.
Tom Hadley, director of external affairs at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said there is "a more positive picture" than previously in the market, with some signs of genuine recruitment activity.
"But it is fragile - we've always said that if things were looking a bit better then we're not taking anything for granted," he commented.
All in all, it looks like the Uk is definitely moving out of recession. Lets hope it holds, gains strength and doesn’t turn out to ne a ‘double-dipper“.
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