BUSINESS confidence in the South East has rocketed despite 2005’s slump in sales, according to the latest Business in Britain survey from Lloyds TSB Corporate.

Although many South East firms have struggled in the last 12 months, most expect to boost turnover, order levels and profitability in the first half of 2006.

Bill Pike, relationship director for Lloyds TSB Corporate in the South East, said: "Many companies in the South East had a very painful time in 2005 and it is not hard to see why.

"The suppression of UK consumer spending and rocketing oil prices served to make the business environment a very challenging place to be, especially for mid-sized firms.

"However, it is encouraging to see that companies are considerably more optimistic about their business prospects in 2006 and are about to invest more as a result. This could be a sign that economic growth in the South East will accelerate next year."