Business services monitor: first quarter of 2010

Turnover growth of business services levelled off in the first quarter of 2010 compared to a year earlier. Turnover fell at the same rate as in the preceding quarter. Entrepreneurs became slightly more positive on the current economic climate for enterprises and expect turnover to grow growth in the second quarter.

No recovery of turnover

Turnover of business services shows no signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2010. Turnover decreased by 7.4 percent compared to a year earlier. Turnover declined at the same rate as in the previous quarter. Architects had the strongest decrease. Compared to the first quarter of 2009, their turnover fell by 15.5 percent. The branches economic research and temp agencies were also strong decliners.

Year-on-year turnover changes

Opinions slightly more positive

Results from the Business Sentiment Survey of April 2010 show that companies providing business services are positive about the current economic climate for the first time in 2 years.

Opinions on the economic climate

Increase in turnover expected

Entrepreneurs are optimistic about turnover for the second quarter of 2010. One in five entrepreneurs expects turnover to fall in the third quarter. Entrepreneurs in business services expect no changes in prices and in the future workforce.

Expectations for the second quarter of 2010