As we begin 2012, the economic outlook is somewhat mixed depending on which think tank, economist or business owner you talk to. If you are Robert Peston, however, the world is a very gloomy place and we are all doomed!

We can’t get away from the fact there is a level of uncertainty with the economy – just look at the eurozone. That saga will play into the hands of the Euro sceptics who are gleefully saying "I told you so", but as just over 50% of UK trade is with the EU, the future of the Euro and the EU as a whole will have a direct impact on business here at home.

Looking at the current worldwide economy and the various impacts it can have on the UK is another breakfast meeting all together. So let’s look at the situation we find ourselves in at the moment.

As if times aren't hard enough for start up businesses, we now hear that the UK's small businesses are paying up to three times as much for goods and services than big businesses who enjoy large savings from their favoured suppliers. Research by Huddlebuy.co.uk has shown that small businesses are paying £3.6 billion more which, for start ups, equates to £1,200 per employee. With so many SMEs struggling this is clearly an unfair cost that actually threatens the idea of an enterprise led economic recovery.

The president of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, believes that the euro remains strong and that Europe will not go back into recession, something that is good news for UK businesses. However, his comments follow rating agency Standard & Poor's view that the chances of a eurozone double dip recession have grown, despite all the work being done to tackle debt problems in many countries.

Mr Barroso said, "The latest forecast by the European Commission shows there will be growth, modest growth it is true. We are doing all it takes, from tackling the underlying budget problems, to strengthening the governance of the eurozone, from tighter financial regulation to improving our overall preparedness."