BOSSES are cautiously optimistic about the future, according to a straw poll at a business event to help them survive the recession.

More than 120 small firm owners attended the Real Help, Right Here, Right Now roadshow.

Some 51 per cent said they were optimistic and 34 per cent cautious at this time.

Some 7.5 per cent described themselves as very positive, 3.8 per cent were pessimistic and 2.5 per cent worried.

Businesses attending the event came from across Dorset and represented a range of businesses including media agencies, solicitors, personal trainers, florists and opticians.

Ian Girling, who is operation manager for Business Link in Dorset, which organised the event with the South West Regional Development Agency, said: “This vote of confidence in their own prospects shows that Dorset businesses on the whole are not being browbeaten by the current economic difficulties.

“Naturally, a small number of businesses are worried or pessimistic, which is why we are staging roadshows like this one across the South West to offer the advice and guidance to give them the best chance possible of surviving the recession and emerging stronger.”

The free, half-day seminar was held at the Royal Bath Hotel, Bournemouth.

Speakers included Business Link’s credit crunch champion Brian Steel, its ICT adviser Andy Poulton, and independent marketing consultant Dianne Edgar.

The roadshows are the latest in a series of initiatives from Business Link.

It includes health checks for individual businesses and a Business Survival Kit containing essential advice and guidance, checklists, and details on where to go for further information.

Ian Girling added: “It’s easy to get bogged down in all the negative talk these days, so this roadshow was vital to show businesses in Dorset that help is available and that there are experts on hand who can help them.

“We’ve worked hard to put together a practical range of support that helps with the issues that businesses are currently facing.

“This event was just one way of receiving this support. It’s important to remain positive.

“Businesses need a well thought out approach which encourages planned and sensible growth.

“So it was great to see so many businesses from across the county attending this event.”

For more information contact Business Link on 0845 600 9966 or visit businesslink.gov.uk/ southwest