COMPANIES rate the South East as the United Kingdom's top performer. The majority of medium sized companies in the UK believe it has the best performance record in the country, according to research released by Fortis Commercial Finance.

Sixty-two per cent of businesses questioned rated the South East as their number one in terms of performance. The other regions lagged behind, with the Midlands in second place with 12 per cent of votes, and Scotland third with six per cent of votes.

However, the research carried out among 200 CEOs, MDs and FDs of businesses with turnovers of £1 million plus demonstrated that companies in the South East feel they need more financial support to reach their full potential. Nearly half - 49 per cent - believed that if the government provided more incentives and backing for exporting, sales from overseas customers would increase by 100 per cent.

Russell Harker, in the Tunbridge Wells office of Fortis Commercial Finance said, "This research demonstrates the popular belief that businesses in the South East outperform their counterparts across the rest of the UK.

"However, whilst companies in the South East are being viewed as role models they face the same business issues and, although keen to export, they aren't sure how to go about it, or who to approach first for advice. We at Fortis Commercial Finance utilise our European branch network to provide a financial service which crosses borders and offers specific local knowledge to aid businesses in foreign markets, improve collections and cashflow."