Almost a quarter of local businesses in Kent now feel that they are in recovery from the recession.

With early signs of economic recovery, new research by Barclays Local Business reveals businesses in the county who were making month to month losses are now controlling their costs and managing their cash flow better.

Others are looking for further ways to strengthen their position. Almost half of those asked, also identified a greater need for access to a number of resources which they believe will help to see them through.

John Davis, managing director of Local Business for Barclays, said:

"This is fantastic news. What businesses are turning their minds to now, are ways to market their business better and find more customers as they approach recovery and use that as a way to grow businesses forward.

“Businesses are looking again at their companies and looking at how they can generate the best return. Interestingly as many as 40 per cent say they see their business as likely to grow in the next 12 months"