More than eight in 10 contractors (81%) are optimistic about their ability to continue contracting, despite more than five out of 10 (54%) saying that the recession had impacted on their business, according to research initiated by specialist accountancy firm Simply Contracting.

The research, conducted by marketing research agency Shape the Future, also shows that 80% of respondents feel very positive about the prospects for their sector of the contracting market over the next 12 months.