Marketing company Sensis Business Index’s survey of businesses across Australia showed Victorian small to medium businesses had the highest jump in confidence in the country, up 12 points from the quarter before.

The index also showed Victorian businesses had the highest export levels in the country at 22 per cent in 2016.

The national average is 15 per cent. 

Overall New South Wales businesses were the most confident, followed by Victoria, with North Territory businesses bringing up the rear.

“The fall in confidence seen last quarter has been reversed with Victorian businesses moving from third last to now sit in second place nationally,” Sensis chief executive officer John Allan said.

“Driving the improvement was a 19 point jump in the proportion of businesses who think the economy is performing well.

“This was the biggest jump nationally, taking the score into positive territory and equal second place compared to the other states and territories.”

Nationally, confidence is sitting at the highest level since March 2010, following an eight point rise to +46, with more than four times as many SMBs (61%) now feeling confident, as those who are worried (15%).

Perceptions of the current state of the economy also jumped 11 points to +3, which is the best result since December 2013.