MANY fleet managers believe 2007 will be a successful year for business.

Studies from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) have shown that 78% of those working in the transport and logistics industry are confident about the year ahead.

Optimism centres on employment and productivity issues and most managers in the sector believe employment levels are unlikely to drop, with almost half polled reckoning there will be no significant change in 2007.

One in four employees think performance and productivity is likely to be better this year than last. Just over a third (36%) also said they are planning to study for new qualifications in 2007.

Jo Causon, director, marketing and corporate affairs at the CMI, said: ‘While the past year has been littered with concerns about skills shortages and the knock-on impact on UK performance and productivity, it is encouraging to see such high levels of confidence about the year ahead.’