The economy in Coventry and Warwickshire will remain static going into 2012, according to a new survey.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has conducted its quarterly economic survey (QES) for the final quarter of 2011 with close to 200 firms taking part.

There remains a degree of confidence among service sector and manufacturing sector companies but most are approaching the new year with caution, according to the QES.

In the service sector, for example, 28 per cent of companies in Coventry and Warwickshire said orders for the next three months were up compared with 25 per cent who said they had decreased.

In manufacturing, 36 per cent of companies said advanced orders had increased and 29 per cent said they had decreased.

When it comes to turnover, 42 per cent of service sector companies are predicting a rise while 47 per cent of manufacturers expect an increase.

Just 21 per cent of manufacturers say they will be taking on new staff in the next three months and only 20 per cent of service-based businesses will be increasing staffing levels.

Angela Tellyn, of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The survey shows just how fragile the mood is among businesses.

“Many are doing very well and where they would have been forecasting growth four or five years ago, they don’t feel they can do that at this time partly because of all the negative headlines surrounding the Eurozone.

“As a chamber, we will continue to focus our efforts in the new year on encouraging the Government to make it easier for employers to take on new staff and also to continue our work in addressing the shortage of skills.”