Small business insurance customers have been told they need to get used to the considerable level of risk involved when making investments.

John Longworth, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce - a network of Accredited Chambers of Commerce in the UK - has explained companies have to factor this into their plans because the UK is unlikely to return to its pre-recession state anytime soon.

Mr Longworth said it is important firms come to terms with the new trade environment and consider this when beginning to invest again.

He stated: "We're saying to businesses now that the new norm is to have a level of uncertainty."

A lack of confidence in the eurozone has led to the economy struggling to find its feet so far in 2012, the expert pointed out.

Therefore, the absence of any unexpected dips in Europe could result in much stronger growth being in the pipeline for the UK economy in 2013.