Bahrain's entrepreneurial firms are optimistic over their business outlook, with revenue and the number of full-time employees expected to increase in the forthcoming months.

This was revealed in the Entrepreneurs' Organisation's (EO) Global Entrepreneur Indicator research project survey report, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

"The current results are very much like the results of the survey that was done in September last year, which shows overall stability in the business mood," EO Bahrain chapter president Safa Sharif said.

The survey reveals 57.14 per cent increase in the number of full-time employees and a forecast of 75 per cent for the upcoming six months.

It also indicates a 60.71 per cent increase in business revenues, with 70.37 per cent respondents expecting this to continue in the coming six months, slightly lower than the global feeling but it still shows optimism and progress.

The survey also adds that at least 44.83 per cent predict continued improvement in the kingdom's economy.

At least 75.86 per cent of EO Bahrain respondents report a willingness to start a business in their current economic environment.

"Despite the optimism, the result still shows that the access to capital and debt instruments remain weak," Sharif said.

"If this remains the same it will hinder growth of new ventures, indicating a conservative approach from the money holders and lenders in the country," added Sharif.

The Global Entrepreneur Indicator is conducted on a bi-annual basis and taps into the minds of the world's leading business owners to identify trends in the world and local economy.

It predicts the economic outlook of the global business landscape, and is a reflection of nearly 6,000 entrepreneurs in 46 countries. - TradeArabia News Service