NEARLY a fifth of small business owners in the North West are planning to give their staff a bonus, according to new research.

The study by Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank found that the 18 per cent figure was above the national average.

Mark Taylor, Head of Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank's North West Business Centres said: "This is good news for the region's small businesses and their employees, and suggests many have enjoyed a profitable 2007.

"A year of good business can put owners in a strong position to pay staff a bonus.

"However with the outlook for 2008 less certain, business owners cannot afford to become complacent and need to ensure costs are reviewed on a regular basis."