BUSINESSES across St Helens are feeling increasingly optimistic about a growing economy, the first Quarterly Economic Survey conducted by St Helens Chamber for 2015 has shown.

The results suggest 54 per cent of all respondents expect profits to improve over the next 12 months, with manufacturing firms upping their investment budgets in response to increased confidence.

The service sector is slightly more cautious about investment in 2015 but job creation has increased across both sectors and the outlook for the next few months "is very optimistic" and "at a historical high for manufacturing respondents".

Tracy Mawson, director of business services at the Chamber said: “The latest survey reveals a promising start to 2015 with many St Helens firms feeling confident about the next 12 months.

"It is good news to hear there could be more job opportunities created across St Helens and local firms have ambitions to invest and grow their business. This survey is very robust, we received responses from 138 businesses in St Helens employing 10,500 people.

"Although 2015 has got off to a good start, there can be no room for complacency. Businesses face considerable uncertainty – including global tensions, the stagnating Eurozone as well as the most unpredictable UK general election in decades.”

Improved marketing and business development, recruiting new staff and developing new domestic markets are key aims for many firms surveyed and more than half of manufacturing respondents plan to invest more in plant and machinery.

The director added that " a very local concern is business rates" and that a wide-ranging Government review must deliver "root and branch reform" or be regarded as a missed opportunity.

She said: "There is still a lot of work to do to achieve long term sustainable growth for St Helens and the UK. As we edge closer to the general election, businesses must keep focused on the fundamental strengths of our economy and the UK as a place to do business.

"By the same token, politicians need also to focus on the fundamentals, not on short-term vote winners, if we are to have guaranteed prosperity in the years to come."