Optimism among small UK businesses slumps to eight-year low

FSB survey, taken before general election, shows few exporters expecting a pick-up

After a year dogged by Brexit deadlock, political uncertainty and slow growth, optimism among small UK firms has slumped to an eight-year low.

The Federation of Small Businesses's confidence gauge fell in October-December for the sixth quarter in a row. Managers at firms across the UK reported worries about the domestic economy and pessimism about opportunities overseas.