LATEST survey results from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) reveal record confidence levels among UK small businesses.

The Small Business Index – the FSB’s measure of confidence – reached +41 points in the third quarter.

It is the first time the sentiment has reached this level with every sector recording a positive outlook for the upcoming three months.

Three fifths of the small businesses surveyed are expecting to grow in the next 12 months and one In ten expect to grow rapidly.

The FSB said these results make it the seventh consecutive quarter that small businesses have been positive about their outlook, again underlining the pivotal role small businesses have played in the economic recovery, with the South East remaining the most confident region overall.

Small firms also report good news on turnover, profits and job creation. One third of businesses surveyed expect their turnover to grow in the next quarter and almost a fifth expect profits to rise. Job creation is robust too, with small firms’ hiring intentions at an all-time high.

The FSB underlined that this buoyant confidence seen in small businesses depends on pro-enterprise policies that will enable small businesses to grow, create jobs and pay their staff more. The latest results show that barriers to these growth aspirations do still exist.

Weak consumer demand, the domestic economy and growing skills shortages especially in growth sectors such as IT are key issues that must be addressed.

The FSB want political parties to spell out how they will continue to support the small business community in driving the economic recovery.

Small firms want to see measures which will bring the costs of doing business down and enhance their ability to create jobs for the local economy.

Neil Eames, development manager for the FSB Wessex Region, said: “We’re seeing record breaking confidence from our members which suggests small firms will continue to spearhead the UK’s recovery.

“We want policy makers to lock in this optimism and continue to back the self employed and small businesses.

“We are looking to all the political parties to spell out what they will do to encourage job creation, investment and reward entrepreneurs in the next Parliament.”