The survey results point to an overall easing in business-lending conditions during the first quarter of 2010, following a stabilization of lending conditions in the last quarter of 2009. Both the price and non-price aspects of business lending eased during the first quarter.
On balance, firms expect sales growth to pick up over the next 12 months, and plan to increase investment spending and employment. Their investment plans are increasingly being targeted at expansion and at improving efficiency to promote
future growth.