Robert Horne Group has reported improved business for October following three weak months, but is still doubtful of any market upturn before next year.

"The first half of this year was better than average, but then July, August and September were much weaker," said Robert Horne Group managing director Toby Marchant.
"October has been a lot better than most people thought, and as we are more broadly spread in our business we have been better placed to witness this."

Although the upturn was significant, Marchant said it could not be attributed to any one factor, but he said it was noticeable how quickly the events of 11 September had hurt business.

"September was a difficult month, and things certainly dipped after the 11th," he added.
Marchant said it would be later rather than sooner before business improved.

"The remainder of this year and first half of next year will definitely be tight," he said, "and I dont think we will see any upturn until at least the second half of the year, by which time the world economy should be in better shape."

He said the business economy was taking a hammering on several fronts, most noticeably those closely aligned to the travel industry, but felt that the rest of the economy was more robust.

"Our industry as a whole is not in good shape, and certain competitors are going through difficult times, but I feel we are in a better position to be a barometer of the economic climate," said Marchant.

Story by Andy Scott