The great majority of Canadian and B.C. companies are expecting business to improve over the next 12 months, according to a report released this morning by PwC.
The report, the Business Insights Survey of Canadian Private Companies 2011, found that 83% of Canadian private business owners expect their business to get either a little or a lot better over the next year. B.C. was a little behind but still optimistic, with 75% of private business owners expecting business improvement.
“There seems to be some optimism out there, notwithstanding the international economic histrionics we’ve had over the last six to eight months,” said John Bunting, Vancouver private company services leader for PwC.
Bunting noted that that optimism levels fluctuate somewhat across the country.
“Alberta was the most optimistic in terms of what they expect they’ll be able to do and how they’re going to do it, and B.C., Ontario and Quebec less so,” he said. “But still, they’re anticipating growth.”
The report found that 90% of private businesses in B.C. are striving for growth or expansion over the next 12 months, while 3% are targeting consolidation, 3% are focusing on survival, and 2% are planning an exit.
Jenny Wagler
@JennyWagler_BIV