Bahrain entrepreneurs optimistic on economy

The recent survey results from the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation’s (EO) Global Entrepreneur Indicator research project show a reasonably optimistic outlook among local entrepreneurial firms with profit margins and the number of full-time employees expected to increase modestly over the forthcoming period.

EO Bahrain chapter president Rawwaf Alhasan said, “EO’s Global Entrepreneur Indicator research project reveals continued though modest optimism in the local market within this vital, trans-sector SME grouping. Our chapter represents a wide and varied selection from the bedrock of Bahrain’s entrepreneurial economy and the figures EO Bahrain report are a reliable indicator of macro-economic trends”.

The Q4 survey shows that in the previous six monthly period, 50 per cent of EO Bahrain members have hired more full-time employees and the same number predict they will continue hiring permanent employees over the coming six months. 

Further to this, 78pc of EO Bahrain members expect a growth of business revenue while 66.7pc predict a rise in net profit in the following six months. The current proclivity to start a new business in Bahrain is a buoyant 61pc.

Liam Farrell, EO Bahrain Communications Chair, commented, “While there is some caution in the SME market and some sectors are fairing better than others, the overall sentiment is resilient and, while last year’s mood was more positive, the feeling amongst SME’s is still one of optimism. On the whole EO members are currently expecting growth to continue albeit cautiously for the next 6 months”.

The Global Entrepreneur Indicator (GEI) is conducted on a bi-annual basis and taps into  the minds of the world’s leading business owners to identify trends in the world and local economy.

Caption : Rawwaf Alhasan