Two in three entrepreneurs plan to increase workforce numbers in 2011, according to research from Investec Specialist Private Bank.

The research also shows 15% expect to see their headcount rise by 16-20%, 6% anticipate numbers rising by 11-15% and 39% by up to 10%.

Meanwhile, 21% expect to see their headcount stay the same and just 12% anticipate that the number of people employed will fall this year.

Ed Cottrell, Investec Specialist Private Bank, says: “We are not surprised by these findings because our research reveals that of the leading entrepreneurs we interviewed, 56% expect the UK economy to improve over the next 12 months and only 19% expect it to deteriorate. This helps explain why 44% plan to launch new ventures in the UK during 2011.

“Given the expansionary plans of many leading entrepreneurs, Investec is looking to lend in excess of £1bn over the next 12 months to people who have a strong track record in their sphere of business. This is more than the bank lent in 2010 or 2009.”