UK businesses are continuing to avoid taking risks, despite recent claims that the recession may be coming to an end, new research has found.

The report, Risky Business: How British business leaders are reacting to the recession, by the RSA reveals that seven out of ten firms are continuing to react to perceived risks, rather than any actual threat.

Furthermore, less than half of business leaders claim they do not feel admiration for those who do take risks.

This thinking may be highlighted by the report’s claim that while 63 per cent of such leaders believe there is now the opportunity for them to expand their operations and firm, only 45 per cent feel they will see this growth.

Neil Lightbown, UK underwriting and strategic claims director at the RSA, said: "For many businesses today, survival equals success. But in focusing on the immediate they are at risk of missing wider opportunities."

Meanwhile, Lloyds TSB has revealed that at the three months ending May 31st, 46 per cent of firms surveyed reported a decrease in turnover.

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