Johannesburg – Firms will prioritise cost-cutting measures to gain maximum advantage from staff and assets, according to the latest Regus Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey.
The aim will be to expand fast and flexibly.
The survey shows that a fall in business confidence in fast-growing economies such as South Africa has reduced the gap with mature markets as efficiency becomes the key driver to remaining competitive without compromising on growth.
More than 20 000 senior executives across 95 countries were surveyed. In South Africa business confidence has dropped from 121 points in April 2013 to 114, just above the global average of 113 points.
The report also indicated that South African businesses, aware of reports of slow recovery, will focus on staff retention and flexible working conditions over the next twelve months.
This would be to optimise business processes and gain maximum advantage from existing assets without compromising on expansion plans.
“While mature economies are showing confidence gains as their economic outlook turns positive, the emerging world is slowing the pace of growth as businesses aim to become increasingly efficient to promote productivity," said Regus Area Director for SA, Kirsten Morgendaal.
The BCI also found that companies reporting revenue growth in SA have slipped from 57% to 55%, while those reporting profit growth have grown only modestly from 43% to 44%.
- Fin24
The aim will be to expand fast and flexibly.
The survey shows that a fall in business confidence in fast-growing economies such as South Africa has reduced the gap with mature markets as efficiency becomes the key driver to remaining competitive without compromising on growth.
More than 20 000 senior executives across 95 countries were surveyed. In South Africa business confidence has dropped from 121 points in April 2013 to 114, just above the global average of 113 points.
The report also indicated that South African businesses, aware of reports of slow recovery, will focus on staff retention and flexible working conditions over the next twelve months.
This would be to optimise business processes and gain maximum advantage from existing assets without compromising on expansion plans.
“While mature economies are showing confidence gains as their economic outlook turns positive, the emerging world is slowing the pace of growth as businesses aim to become increasingly efficient to promote productivity," said Regus Area Director for SA, Kirsten Morgendaal.
The BCI also found that companies reporting revenue growth in SA have slipped from 57% to 55%, while those reporting profit growth have grown only modestly from 43% to 44%.
- Fin24