Businesses gear up for big drive on recruitment

MID-TIER businesses across the North West hope to embark on a ‘major investment and hiring drive’ this year, with almost 90 per cent planning to recruit more staff, a new report has revealed.

The latest Rethinking the Economy survey from accountancy and business advisory firm BDO showed that medium-sized firms are set to ‘spearhead’ the UK’s economic recovery, with 80pc saying that 2021 ‘is the year to invest’.

The survey showed that 40pc of north west businesses plan to either expand by investing in new locations or acquiring other businesses.

The renewed drive follows the government’s capital allowance announcement in last month’s Budget, with more than half of businesses planning new investments as a result of the Chancellor’s ‘super deduction’ initiative.

Business confidence has also increased, the survey said, as 93% of firms in the region expect revenues to return to pre-pandemic levels within a year of the strictest restrictions being lifted.