News In Brief
SMEs optimistic
Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the financial services sector report a reduced need for legal advice—only 4% now turn to their lawyers for advice, down from 21% at the end of 2008. Three-quarters of SMEs in the professional services sector think the worst of the recession is behind them, and expect to increase or maintain sales in the next 12 months, according to a survey by insurance group, QBE.