Business leaders across the county remain upbeat about current trading and future prospects, despite the ongoing economic crisis.

That is the conclusion of a major survey published today which asked a cross-section of more than 50 county directors to comment on their companies’ performance during the last three months and offer a prediction for the first quarter of 2012.

The Business Barometer published by In Business magazine, out with the Oxford Mail’s sister title, The Oxford Times, shows 68 per cent of firms enjoying an increase in turnover with more than half saying they expect it to go up again this year. Just four per cent saw a decrease.

A total of 85 per cent of companies either created jobs or kept their headcount at a steady level in 2011 and 32 per cent are planning to take on more staff this year.

More than half saw new orders increase last year with just nine per cent reporting a fall while more than two thirds of directors want to invest in one or more areas of their business including staff, premises and research and development in this quarter.

Mark Emery, employment law partner at Oxford legal firm Withy King which conducted the survey, said: “Given the national outlook, the results were surprising but very pleasing as Oxfordshire seems to be bucking the trend.

“Most companies said they would be hiring or maintaining headcounts in early 2012 in sharp contrast to other parts of the UK which paint a very different picture.”

But while the general mood is positive, there are still fears among business owners over rising costs and weak growth in the UK economy.

Ken Knowland, managing director of Savona Provisions which provides food to the restaurant and pub trade, said: “In the last year our margins have been squeezed as our customers have had to push their prices down to entice consumers through the door and costs have risen significantly.

“Although times are tough we remain focused on opportunities. Those companies which manage to survive will emerge stronger and with a larger share of the market. We want to ensure we are one of them.”

County business leaders have welcomed the survey.

Martin Dare-Edwards, chairman of the Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “While the UK and European markets seem headed for torrid times in the year ahead it is by no means a time to imagine all is despair.

“Prospects for substantial growth remain for export markets and Oxfordshire’s hi-tech businesses in particular are well placed to achieve it in 2012.”

And Bob Bradley, chairman of directors’ leadership development group MD2MD, based in Freeland, near Witney, said: “There are many businesses growing profits and gaining market share rapidly.

“They are distinguishing themselves by focusing on what they are really good at — running a tight ship and delivering great value.”