Both the FTSE 100 and Dow were expected to make modest gains by the end of 2012, according to a survey of 100 senior representatives of investment firms. The Euro was expected to deteriorate further compared to sterling, while the US dollar would increase in value. However, the majority interviewed thought that President Obama's government had not done enough to stimulate the economy in the US. 

A report released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) reveals that small businesses with between 10-49 employees want to grow, but their ambitions are frustrated by too much red tape.

The first round of the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) will see an expanded amount of public investment support 50 bids by companies and partnerships who demonstrated how they would create jobs and a high level of private sector-led sustainable economic growth in their local communities over the coming years.

As businesses start to emerge from one of the deepest recessions in living memory, many organisations risk missing out on opportunities to grow their business due to recruitment challenges caused by a lack of flexibility and innovation.

The CBI has called on the Government to protect economic growth in its forthcoming Spending Review. As it limits spending, it should prioritise areas that foster the economy’s ability to grow, the leading business group said.

It made the call as it published its submission to the Treasury ahead of the Spending Review next month. The Government previously announced in the Budget that it will make £32bn of annual spending reductions by 2014/15.