With numerous reports claiming that contractors should be optimistic about the coming year, despite uncertain economic forecasts, many will be looking to improve their business.

Lexi Rodrigo, writing for Freelance Folder, has said that contractors should focus on a few specific areas in order to "upgrade" their services and attract clients.

Firstly, she says, contractors should look at their workplace, aiming to increase productivity and happiness. Rearranging furniture is one way to do this as is introducing plants to the area or allowing in more natural light.

Clients are another key aspect to focus on, she writes. Contractors who have outgrown clients or no longer enjoy working with them may feel it is time to move on and this can be done by upgrading marketing materials and strategies.

Other important points to focus on are contractors' finances, their tools, marketing strategies and arranging all these improvements in an efficient way.

Meanwhile, Gartner forecasts has said that worldwide IT spending will come to $3.6 trillion (£2.3 trillion) in 2011, which could be accompanied by a significant increase in contractor opportunities.