International businesses most optimistic about growth in 2021
A survey of HSBC UK customers found that more than half (53%) of businesses were optimistic about growing their business this year with international firms (61%) more optimistic than their domestic counterparts (46%).
Of those firms who were optimistic about a sales recovery, 41% have intentions to expand into new markets.
A third of businesses revealed that they plan to increase capital expenditure (CapEx) during 2021 with a focus on ‘technology, software and data’, ‘expansion into new markets’ and ‘product diversification’ as businesses look for opportunities to use CapEx to adapt and grow in the post-pandemic world.
Ian Tandy MBE, Head of Global Trade and Receivables Finance at HSBC UK, said: “Businesses are at a tipping point as they emerge from one of the most significant social and economic crises in a generation and it is clear they are assessing their performance and looking for growth."
“Many businesses had put investment plans on hold during the uncertainty of the last 12 months, but now is the time for business leaders make the strategic decisions that will fuel their growth ambitions for the future.
“British firms have an exceptional reputation on the global stage and it’s encouraging to see that businesses are committed to expanding their international operations as a means to build back better.”
Firms identified reducing costs and improving cash flow as their top priorities. The survey revealed they intend to do this through investment in automation and digitisation to revolutionise the way they operate in order to find sustainable growth in the future. And despite a focus on cost-cutting businesses retain an innate desire to own assets rather than lease or hire.
Ian Tandy MBE, Head of Global Trade and Receivables Finance, HSBC UK
Ian Tandy MBE, continues: “It’s clear that businesses understand that in order to drive down costs they need to execute their long-term investment plans now – and many are doing so.
“In a fast-changing world it’s encouraging to see that UK firms see technology as a key area of investment to keep them ahead of their competitors.”
Media enquiries to:
Peter Edney | peter.d.edney@hsbc.co.uk | 07384 791 502
For the latest news and updates, visit the HSBC UK newsroom:
https://www.about.hsbc.co.uk/news-and-media
Notes to editors:
The research is based on the views of 350 HSBC UK business customers.
HSBC UK
HSBC UK serves around 14.5 million customers across the UK, supported by 32,000 colleagues. HSBC UK offers a complete range of retail banking and wealth management to personal and private banking customers, as well as commercial banking for small to medium businesses and large corporates.
HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 64 countries and territories in its geographical regions: Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa. With assets of $2,959bn at 31 March 2021, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.
International businesses most optimistic about growth in 2021 (2-pages PDF 402KB)