A survey published by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) reveals that the UK’s managers believe 2007 will be a successful year for business. Their optimism comes despite an increase in the proportion of business leaders predicting rising business costs.

The survey of 648 individuals shows that 75% of senior executives are confident about the year ahead. Asked specifically about business prospects for their organisation over the next 12 months, more than half (53%) gave an upbeat forecast. One in five (22%) also claimed that they are “very optimistic” and only a small minority (3%) admitted to being nervous about 2007.

Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs at the CMI, says: “In the run up to Christmas many organisations, rightly, focus their attention on the achievements of the previous 12 months, but when the past year has been one littered with concerns about skills shortages and the knock-on impact on UK performance and productivity, it is encouraging to see such high levels of confidence about the year ahead.”