ENTREPENEURS are starting the new year in a confident mood, according to a survey.

Research has shown that 88 per cent of entrepeneurs expect their business to be better off or remain the same during the coming 12 months.

A third plan to recruit additional staff over the coming year, while 38 per cent also say they will put more money into their business, according to Bank of Scotland Business Banking .

At the same time, 62 per cent of small business owners said they remained confident in the UK economy, up slightly from when the survey was last carried out in September. Kevin Gillett, head of Bank of Scotland Business Banking, said: "Almost without exception, the UKs entrepreneurs believe their businesses will fair better over the next 12 months and their confidence in the economy is clearly running high."