The New Year could see a spate of small business owner’s selling-up to make a profit, according to the latest survey findings from Alliance & Leicester Business Banking (A&LBB).

One in eight owners say they expect to sell their business to make money in the next three months. That compares with only one in 20 when A&LBB carried out a similar study in July last year.

Only a tiny minority indicated they expect to lose money through a sale early in 2002, with a similar number foreseeing liquidation.

A&LBB’s survey also tracked a growing interest among owners to take time off from their business. The number planning a work break has risen from two per cent in July last year to seven per cent while those staying at the helm of their business in the New Year are still bullish with 40 per cent planning expansion.

The figures are the latest findings from the Alliance & Leicester Business Barometer, which asks a UK representative sample of small businesses what they felt the outlook was for their business in the next three months.

Gareth Williams, Senior Marketing Manager of Alliance & Leicester Business Banking, said: “Our findings among small firms probably reflect the general uncertainty within the wider economy at the moment. At least those planning to sell will be doing so in the expectation of making money on the deal, which will be encouraging for anyone thinking of buying an existing business or setting up on their own in 2002.”

He said that overall, the outlook for the New Year looked encouraging for SMEs. (MB)