2015 Finance Director Predictions, Survey Results Revealed

December 10th 2014 | Posted by phil scott

80% of companies are planning to spend more in 2015 according to Finance Directors.

Four in five finance directors are either ‘optimistic’ or ‘very optimistic’ about the year ahead, according to a new wide-ranging UK study, with a majority expecting to invest in growth over the next 12 months.

The FD Recruit 2015 Forecast asked finance directors across a variety of industries about their confidence in the economy, their job security and their likely spending habits for the next year.

The study found that around two-thirds (62%) thought that 2014 had aligned closely to their predictions, with about a quarter (26%) reporting that results had marginally exceeded expectations.

When asked to look ahead, 24% said that 2015 would be worse or no better than 2014, yet 58% said there would be marginal growth, and 18% were preparing for ‘significant’ growth.

In preparation for this success, finance directors are predicting to increase their spend in a number of areas:

Recruitment and staff
45% of respondents expect to increase their spend
30% expect to match the previous year’s spend

Property, offices and buildings
52% of respondents expect to increase their spend
28% expect to match the previous year’s spend

Equipment and machinery
64% of respondents expect to increase their spend
22% expect to match the previous year’s spend

IT and technology
57% of respondents expect to increase their spend
30% expect to match the previous year’s spend

Marketing
45% of respondents expect to increase their spend
23% expect to match the previous year’s spend

Phil Scott, director of FD Recruit, said: “The survey shows that UK businesses are cautiously optimistic heading into 2015, and in even better news they are ready to invest in that growth. “The economy has been tough for a number of years, and whilst I think few are feeling bullish enough to make predictions of strong growth, I think the majority are hoping for a reasonable upturn in business.”

Scott added: “What should give us all optimism is that the growth predicted will be sustained, and with that comes investment across the board, particularly in recruitment and IT, but also in property, equipment and marketing as well.”