Johnston Carmichael, Scotland's biggest independent accounting firm, has warned that businesses north of the border are becoming increasingly concerned that the frugal attitude of banks is impacting their operations - but the group insists the entrepreneurial spirit has continued to thrive.

Johnston Carmichael, Scotland's biggest independent accounting firm, has warned that businesses north of the border are becoming increasingly concerned that the frugal attitude of banks is impacting their operations - but the group insists the entrepreneurial spirit has continued to thrive.

According to a survey, conducted by the Aberdeen-headquartered firm across the retail, leisure, manufacturing and financial service sectors, some 60% of respondents highlighted worries that their bank's attitude was becoming more difficult.

As the credit crunch has continue to bite, banks have become more risk-averse and lending terms have become increasingly stringent.

Mark Houston, a partner at Johnston Carmichael in Glasgow, told The Herald: "Many of the companies interviewed have had long and established relationships with their banks, but now find the banks are being much more difficult.

"Now that so many of the banks are in the public's hands, we can only hope they will take a more flexible approach to support Scottish businesses, particularly those who have been long-term clients."

Nonetheless, a 65% majority of those interviews who, in spite of the current difficulties, still feel confident about the expansion of their business over the next three to five years - although 40% were cautious about acquisition as a means of expansion.

"Bank lending policy, rising costs and market downturns don't combine to create a backdrop for acquisition - but 35% still see opportunity for acquisition," Houston said.

"Maybe it's simply the type of clients we have, but we see this as the Scottish entrepreneurial spirit shining through. The smart ones see the opportunities out there, and they're preparing to jump into the market."