Christchurch is driving national business confidence as small to medium sized business operators report positive revenue prospects for the coming 12 months, a survey says.
The MYOB Business Monitor for March, commissioned by Colmar Brunton, surveyed 1000 small and medium sized businesses.
In the study 24% of business operators expected the economy to improve within 12 months, up from 18% in June 2012.
In Christchurch 34% of operators felt optimistic about the coming year.
MYOB executive director Scott Gardiner said cash-flow pressures continue to challenge small businesses.
Mr Gardiner says there is an indication small businesses are hiring more people, particularly in the trade related sector, as momentum builds in Christchurch reconstruction.
