Optimism in Scotland’s private sector remains high and near the top of international league tables, according to business advice firm Grant Thornton.
In its latest international business report, Grant Thornton said 79% of firms questioned said they were either very optimistic or slightly optimistic about the economic outlook for the year ahead.
The findings suggest economic confidence north of the border is 1% lower than the UK as a whole (80%) and only beaten internationally by India (86%), Ireland (84%) and Germany (79%).
Grant Thornton associate director Debbie Mayor said: “We’re starting to witness levels of Scottish business confidence returning to pre-crisis figures. This is partly being driven by the international outlook.
“Around the world, companies are telling us that conditions are improving quarter-by-quarter as recovery gradually makes way for sustained growth.
“A key strength of this collective growth is the opportunity for investors to consider capitalising on other markets.
“Here in Scotland, we’ve witnessed an increase in interest with companies looking to tap into our skilled workforce in areas like energy and life sciences and, in some cases, cash in on the international platform that we now command in sectors like food and drink.
She added: “By looking at the average of the last four quarters of research, it’s clear to see that we are now in a consistent growth period, with businesses looking forward confidently and focusing on new opportunities.
“If the trend continues, Scotland’s businesses are well-placed to be at the forefront of the global economic stage.””