BUSINESSES in the region are predicting a bumper 1997 according to a survey out today.

And senior bosses are expected to benefit from the booming economy with end-of-year bonuses.

Sales to the home market and exports are expected to rise and firms in the North West are planning to invest heavily for new machinery and equipment.

The latest economic Barometer survey published by accountants Coopers & Lybrand also showed that local executives were expecting big increases in their bonuses.

The survey found that three quarters of medium-sized companies offer annual bonus schemes.

"Recruiting and retaining staff of the right calibre is a very competitive business and these figures demonstrate the extent to which local firms value their key executives," said Clare Bolton of Coopers & Lybrand.

Sales are expected to rise by 16 per cent over the next 12 months according to the survey - higher than the national average. And exports are predicted to increase by 7.9 per cent.

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