Hertfordshire businesses are looking forward to a year of growth despite shaky confidence in performance over the past 12 months.

A poll by business advisers Grant Thornton revealed 69 per cent of Herts businesses are expecting to increase their profits in the coming year while 64 per cent are looking to recruit more staff.

Hertfordshire Ltd, Grant Thornton’s annual in-depth analysis of the performance of the county’s top 200 businesses, has become a recognised barometer of the overall health of the Hertfordshire economy.

The positive preliminary poll results for 2016, preluding a full survey of the top 200 businesses, come despite 49 per cent of firms believing business conditions are more difficult than last year.

Jeremy Read from Grant Thornton St Albans is hosting Hertfordshire Ltd 2016 and noted how last year’s report highlighted a successful year for Herts businesses and hope for a repeat this year.

He said: “The results of our initial confidence poll suggest this positive trend is set to continue, despite some uncertainty about business conditions over the coming year undoubtedly prompted by the UK’s vote to leave the EU.”

A lack of skilled employees remains a key concern for businesses, with 69 per cent stating there is insufficient local talent available when recruiting to move their business forward.

The results of the Hertfordshire Ltd 2016 study will be unveiled at a breakfast event on Thursday December 1 at The Old Palace, Hatfield House.