Encouraging signs for business confidence

2 November 2018

Auckland's SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) sector displayed a changing view of business confidence in Auckland Chamber’s latest quarterly survey.

“Confidence amongst Auckland business showed a 10% improvement on last quarter,” said Chamber CEO Michael Barnett.

The survey of more than 700 respondents recorded 48% of respondents expecting conditions to deteriorate over the next six months compared to 54% from the previous survey.

“This in part reflects the move from winter into summer and the start of the holiday season, but it is a positive,” said Barnett.

“Despite this, the survey reveals elements of uncertainty that SME’s are having within a changing business environment.”

The survey also clearly illustrated a frustration for businesses trying to employ talent - with 50% reporting difficulty finding skilled and specialist employees.

When asked to name the top three issues impacting negatively on their business the responses identified: Tax increases (e.g. Fuel Tax), Traffic Congestion and Labour Laws.

The survey also asked businesses if they had increased prices for their goods or services as a result of increased fuel prices. Almost 40% indicated that they had, with the balance of businesses indicating they were yet to react.

Ends.

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