The survey, which covers February, suggests that a net balance of +53% of UK private sector companies expect business activity to increase over the next 12 months. This is down from +55% in October and the weakest since June 2013. However, the level of positive sentiment is above the global average (+27%).
Meanwhile, the net balance of companies predicting profits to increase over the coming year stands at +42% in February, unchanged from October.
Hiring intentions remain solid Private sector companies in the UK intend to add to their payrolls over the course of the next 12 months. The proportion of companies forecasting job creation exceeds those that predict job cuts by +32%. This is down only marginally from +33% in October, but well above the series average.
The net balance of companies forecasting an increase in capital expenditure in the next 12 months stands at +17% in February, up slightly from +16% in October.
Markit economist Oliver Kolodseike said: "The survey suggests that the UK will continue to grow strongly in 2015, with companies commenting that an improving economic environment, a positive impact of the ECB's quantitative easing programme on the eurozone economy and increased consumer confidence are likely to support growth of business activity."
