OREANDA-NEWS. November 08, 2012. Half the companies in Tartu County are planning to increase their activity on export markets next year, a flash survey of corporate clients in the County conducted by SEB indicates, reported the press-centre of SEB.  

Of the 56 small and medium-size companies polled in Tartu County, 27 per cent – mainly those with turnovers over EUR 2 million – are planning to enter new export markets and 21 per cent are planning to grow on their existing markets.

Innovation activities in products or services are being planned by 21 per cent and investments by 39 per cent of the respondents, with the lion’s share, that is, 30 per cent, planning to invest more than EUR 30 000. Investments will target equipment and building capacity as well as growing on markets abroad.

Of the respondents, 84 per cent see their turnovers growing in 2013, with 37 per cent estimating turnover growth of 15 per cent at the least. Approximately one-third of the respondents are planning to hire more staff.

This October and November, SEB is carrying out an ambitious consultancy project that will see the bank’s representatives call on approximately 900 of Estonia’s small and medium-size enterprises, in all 15 Counties. They will be travelling Estonia’s roads in ten Smart minis decked out in SEB’s livery, which will also serve as a reminder about the importance of green transport.
As part of the consultancy project, SEB will also conduct a survey asking companies in the Counties to estimate their developments in turnover, changes in staff numbers, export and innovation plans, and proposed investments in 2013.