Ipsos Business Review of the Year - Green Shoots or False Dawn?

For businesses, 2010 will be remembered as a mixed year. Retailers' revenues for 2010 are above initial predictions and they are benefiting from strong public support: 63% of consumers still feel loyal to supermarkets. Analysts also recently revised - upwards - previous forecasts for growth in global advertising spend. On the other hand, shoppers' confidence remains low and consumers are being much more circumspect about their spending. Concern about unemployment is drifting upwards.

160 It it not all doom and gloom however. The technology sector is evolving at an increasingly faster pace and a much larger part of our society is now benefiting from it. So as we enter 2011, Britain is waiting for tangible signs of durable growth. This review looks back at the year and explores the trends businesses should look out for in 2011.