There are some signs of improving business confidence, new figures indicate.Businesses are largely optimistic about the future, according to new research.

Figures released by Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets Business Barometer show that just under two-thirds (65 per cent) of organisations questioned in October claimed to feel more confident about the economy now than they were three months ago.

In the September study, 61 per cent stated to have felt this way.

Meanwhile, 38 per cent predict that their level business activity will rise over the next 12 months.

However, 45 per cent were looking to this when questioned in September.

Around half (47 per cent) told the firm - which includes the Lloyds TSB Business Account in its range of products - that they expect activity to stay the same, those searching for business bank accounts could be interested to hear.

Trevor Williams, chief economist of Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets, stated: "Business confidence has recovered sharply from the lows at the turn of the year, however it is still below its long-term average."

Such figures follow recent comments by Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne that there needs to be greater access to business banking products for entrepreneurs.

In an article for the Daily Telegraph, he claimed business credit cards and other forms of lending are becoming harder to source.