Increased revenue over that period was reported by 35 percent of those surveyed and another 34 percent reported revenue was nearly the same. Only 12 percent said they had to reduce the number of employees. The biggest challenge faced over the last six months was the rising cost of energy, fuel and raw materials, cited by 47 percent. A third said they would invest in sales and marketing over the next six months, while 31 percent plan to diversify into new markets and 24 percent intend to launch new products and services.