BUSINESSES in the UK are expected to prosper in the next few months as they feel their most optimistic for eight years.
According to business advisers BDO Stoy Hayward, there will be a rise in public spending, strong consumer confidence and healthy international markets.
However, BDO also said the Bank of England was likely to raise interest rates after the May election.
"The UK economy is looking strong going into the General Election, but businesses need to prepare themselves for a jolt ahead," said Peter Hemington, partner at BDO.
Chris Harvey, head of policy and representation at the Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, agreed that firms could not afford to be complacent.
"There have been some very positive figures recently, better than we expected," he said.
"However, manufacturing in particular has some sizeable problems. There is a shortage of skilled staff, while many firms are concerned about raw material prices and interest rates.
"We certainly can't afford to be complacent at this time."
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