Business Confidence Survey 1st Quarter 2014

26th February, 2014

Media Release: For Immediate release

PROBLEMS OF GROWTH HIGHLIGHTED BY BUSINESS SURVEY

A survey of almost 300 businesses last week in the Northland and Central North Island regions reveals some extraordinary results.

72% of survey respondents believe that the general business situation in New Zealand will continue to improve over the next six months, an increase from 62% last quarter. This response is also matched by 66% of respondents believing that their own personal business situation will see a direct improvement in the coming six months, another rise in confidence from the last survey in Nov 2013 which reported 64%.     

“Businesses are gearing up for a greater investment of time, increased profitability and are looking ahead to improved export opportunities” says Tony Collins NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland’s chief executive .   

“As with other growth regions in New Zealand finding the right people with the right skills just got harder. 25% of businesses reported difficulties in employing skills, reminding businesses that if people are an important part of growth they will need strategies for training and retaining employees.”

Businesses are also concerned that interest rates will affect their ability to finance increased activity as obtaining finance becomes the most limiting factor to growth for 25% of businesses in the region, up from 22% last quarter.

The survey also revealed:

Intentions to employ

UP

Hours to be worked

UP

Expected Costs

UP

Expected Profitability

UP

Expected Sales

UP

Expected Export Sales

UP

For more information, please contact:

Tony Collins| CEO | NZ Chambers of Commerce Northland

027 444 1010

ENDS

 

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