Media Release
April 17, 2019
The latest Business Confidence survey for the Northern Region Chambers of Commerce shows that although confidence is still struggling within the business community, there has been a 5% lift in confidence for the first quarter of this year.
The survey of nearly 1000 respondents across the top half of the North Island shows a net 24% of respondents said they expect general business conditions in New Zealand to deteriorate over the next six months – it represents a 5% lift in confidence from the previous survey at the end of last year. This is a result that goes against the trend of other recent surveys.
Auckland’s business sector made up the largest single cohort of this survey and Auckland Business Chamber CEO Michael Barnett suggested the result reflected the mix of businesses making up the Chamber’s membership.
“This ‘against the trend’ result, may be due to the survey reflecting feedback from both large and small enterprises that the Chamber’s membership captures,” says Barnett.
The survey also clearly illustrated a frustration for businesses trying to employ talent – with close to half reporting difficulty finding skilled and specialist employees.
When asked to name the top three issues impacting negatively on their business the responses were as follows:
Northern Region Chambers:
Compliance, Infrastructure and Labour Laws
Auckland Chamber:
Tax increases (eg Fuel Tax), Traffic Congestion and Compliance.
The survey also asked Auckland businesses if the increase in the minimum wage would mean a price increase in their products or service – 40% indicated that it would mean an increase.
Ends.
For more information please contact:
Stephen Smith CE, NorthChamber
ceo@northchamber.co.nz
