The UK logistics industry recorded a substantial increase in confidence during the latter half of 2013.

A study by research agency Analytiqa found positivity levels were 74.9 throughout the last six months of last year, an increase of 25 per cent against the figure achieved between January and June. 

Some 84 per cent of respondents believed they would experience growth in turnover during this year, with 48 per cent expecting to see a rise of five per cent or more. Meanwhile, 16 per cent of those surveyed forecasted a jump of ten per cent or more.

Over three-fifths of companies stated operating conditions were more favourable over the latter half of 2013, compared to 26 per cent during the previous six months. Only seven per cent felt the situation had worsened. 

However, the report found issues such as fuel costs, consumer demand and market volatility would still be causes for concern for businesses between January and June 2014.