The overall expectation of asset finance professionals from across Europe is one of on-going growth and a favourable business environment for the second half of 2011, new research reveals.

Leaseurope, the representative body of the European leasing and automotive rental industry, together with Invigors EMEA, the specialist international equipment leasing and asset finance consultancy, have just published results of the June 2011 Leaseurope/Invigors European Business Confidence Survey.

This joint Leaseurope/Invigors survey measures the expectations of European leasing professionals over the coming six months and is a continuation of the confidence survey run by Invigors since 2008.

Participants are surveyed on their outlook for the future performance of their business (volumes, margins, bad debt and net profit), the level of competition and M&A activity expected on their home market and various other aspects of their organisation, including the underwriting process, future expense and staff levels, distribution channels and the expected availability of capital.

Commenting on the results, Invigors EMEA Partner Richard Ryan says “it is clear that most of the asset finance professionals who took part in the survey expect the asset finance industry to continue to benefit from the gradual economic recovery in Europe, and that this will be reflected in their new business volumes, margins and bottom line.

It remains to be seen whether heightened concerns surrounding sovereign debt may affect the recovery and in turn the leasing industry. The next business confidence survey, to be carried out in December, should give us a clearer picture.”

Jurgita Bucyte, adviser in statistics and economic Affairs at Leaseurope, said: “It is positive that we continue to observe optimism and increasing confidence in the European leasing market.

“The on-going recovery is also confirmed by hard data readings, with industry KPIs at European level improving in the first quarter of 2011.”
 

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