More than a third (35%) of European business are seeking aggressive growth in revenue and market share to attain a leadership position in their market. These aspirational businesses will be an important engine for economic growth in Europe, as small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of Europe's economy. They represent 99% of all business in the EU.

Our research shows a revolution is underway in how businesses will generate growth: talent, technology and product innovation are the three priority areas of investment.

Businesses are increasingly worried about the external operating environment and, in particular, sluggish growth within domestic markets. They are looking to offset these slowdowns - and the likely impact of Brexit on cross-border trade - by securing more trading opportunities outside European markets.

A quarter (26%) of European businesses say they feel underprepared to address critical business challenges such as cyber security. Keeping pace with new technologies is a concern raised by a further 20% of leaders in our survey. Despite their growth mindset, our survey shows that business leaders are less confident in their ability to keep pace with change.

As environmental concerns rise up the agenda, our survey reveals businesses are taking significant action to address environmental sustainability within their business. They are acting in response to tighter regulation as well as to pressure from customers and employees to translate words into a concrete green action plan.