Boardroom Business Blog

Gympie Region Business Confidence Survey Opens

Mon, 21 May 2012 02:46:00 GMT

Don’t miss your chance to have your say in the fifth biannual Gympie Regional Business Confidence Survey, with all participants to be in the running to win gift vouchers from local restaurants, courtesy of the Gympie Chamber of Commerce.

The May/June Gympie Region Business Confidence Survey opens today and will remain open for two weeks. All local business operators are being called upon to go online and give their thoughts to help provide direction for the economic development of the Gympie Region.

This widely supported survey is driven from the Gympie Regional Council’s Economic Development office with the support of local business and industry organisations. The survey aims to find out information from businesses about their local trading conditions, and if past surveys are anything to go by, will uncover in-depth information from businesses across the entire Region.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor, Cr Ron Dyne said that Council was strongly committed to economic development in the Region and that this survey was an important part of the overall strategy.

“We need accurate and timely information about business conditions along with ideas direct from the business community on ways in which we can further assist our broad economic base,” said Mayor Dyne.

“Council recognises that the business community is both widespread and diverse and we urge all businesses – both large and small - to log on and have their say. This survey in particular focuses on some specific questions to uncover what businesses think about how we should market this Region,” said Cr Dyne.

This survey is being strongly supported by the Gympie Chamber of Commerce and they have donated 5 x $200 vouchers to be spent at Gympie Region local restaurants. With the additional support of all the major chambers of commerce and industry groups across the entire Region, the results are openly shared and discussed on a regular basis.

The survey is being emailed out to subscribers and major business groups and can also be accessed from our Boardroom Business website here http://www.boardroombusiness.com.au/gympie

Results released at gala function last night

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:24:00 GMT

Those quick enough to secure their spot at last night's 'sold out' gala business function at Cartwrights restaurant to launch the survey results and today's job skills expo were treated to a significant line up of quality speakers talking about our local region - both from a jobs and skills perspective and from a business and economic development perspective.

Speakers included the Hon Kate Ellis, Federal Minster for Employment Participation; Ross Hepworth, Institute Director for the Sunshine Coast TAFE; Ivan Neville from Labour Market Research (DEEWR); Darryl Conroy, Suncorp Bank and Mark Jamieson, Mayoral Candidate Sunshine Coast Council (we can't call him the new Mayor yet until after the 8th of May!).

The speakers were all nicely complemented by the MC for the evening which was Mr Kris McCue, the local area coordinator for Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

In spite of the challenging business conditions, all speakers spoke to both the challenges and the opportunities, with a positive tone and outlook. See below for a copy of Darryl Conroy's presentation on the local economy in comparison to the national and international economy.

For a copy of the results of the Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey download them here.

A big thanks again for everyone's support in helping make this project a success. Thanks to the business and industry groups in helping spread the word and a bigger thanks to all those in the business community who participated and gave frank and fearless comments!

And of course, as always, a big thanks to Sunshine Coast TAFE as our naming rights sponsor, for which this project would not be possible if it wasn't for their support.

Darryl Conroy_Suncorp Bank_Sunshine Coast 2012 May Business Survey Results

Results: Sunshine Coast businesses show resilience in latest survey

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:44:00 GMT

Approximately 40% of the respondents from the latest Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey predict business performance will be stronger in the next six months.

With more than 500 businesses regularly responding to the biannual survey, sponsored by Sunshine Coast TAFE, this tool has become the premier benchmark for business conditions across the Coast.

Sunshine Coast TAFE Institute Director Ross Hepworth said the survey mirrors what the broader business community has been saying for some time.

“It’s tough out there, and small businesses are often the first to feel the effects of global and regional economic conditions,” Mr Hepworth said.

“Whilst 20% of businesses reported a ‘much weaker’ performance in the last six months, the good news is, that optimism remains relatively strong and we have a very resilient and adaptable business community.

“If you compare responses from the last six months of trading to what is expected over the next six months, there is a marked difference, with nearly 40% of respondents predicting stronger profitability levels.”

The latest Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey identifies almost a quarter of respondents reporting static business performances, slightly more than a quarter reporting improved conditions and half experiencing weaker or much weaker conditions.

Rising overheads and utility costs remained the major constraint to business growth for the fourth straight survey over the past two years.

Mr Hepworth said each time the survey is conducted it tackles one of the big topics facing the business community, with the latest survey focusing on the national resources boom and whether the local business community was seeing any benefit or not.

“There were 18% of businesses reporting an increase in benefits largely due to the resources boom, with 60% reporting no discernible benefits as yet,” Mr Hepworth said.

With the Fly In Fly Out Market for workers a hot topic for the local airport many businesses pointed to the need to increase the opportunities and range of flights available. Others felt a more diversified economy was the best pathway so as not to put all our ‘eggs in one basket’.

“Increased online trading, software and IT products, skills and training and other supporting industries were also identified as opportunities for the Sunshine Coast business community.”

For more information and to download a copy of the survey results go to http://www.boardroombusiness.com.au/sunshinecoast

Sunshine Coast Survey is now closed

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:26:00 GMT

A big thanks to the 524 businesses who participated in the March 2012 Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey, proudly sponsored by the Sunshine Coast TAFE. We appreciate your time and your we also appreciate your thoughtful comments. The survey has now closed and the results will be released at a function at Sunshine Coast TAFE on Tuesday 1st of May.

A big thanks also to our prize sponsors, Rimini by the River resort in Noosaville and Aussie world. All participants who left their email address went into the running to win this 'holiday at home' prize package.

We are pleased to announce that Ms Lauris Bryant from Top Spot Motel in Maroochydore is our prize draw winner!

Congratulations Lauris, I am sure you will enjoy spending time at somebody else's accommodation for a short break!

Are you interested in knowing how we did the prize draw?

We used www.random.org to randomly generate a number, witnessed by Marlene Petersen from Red Cross Employment Services (a tenant at Noosa Boardroom) and Oceana Kovacs (a student intern working with me on public relations projects). We then cross referenced that number to the list of email addresses listed as participating in the survey.

Thanks for your assistance Marlene and Oceana!

L:R: Marlene Petersen, Anne Lawrence and Oceana Kovacs

Final Chance! Have your say in the Biz Survey

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:21:00 GMT

It’s your final chance to participate in the Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey, visit HERE to answer a few questions and share your thoughts. But hurry, the survey closes at the end of this week!

Each year around 500 participants from across the entire Sunshine Coast participate in this important data collecting exercise dedicated solely to our region. To view each and every past survey report, where we detail exactly what people said (anonymously), then head on over to the dedicated survey page.

By participating in the Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey you have the chance to win a ‘Holiday at Home’ prize package, as a thank you to those who participate regularly and those who are also new to the survey.

We are very grateful for all our sponsors:

This survey would not be possible if it wasn't for the generous naming rights sponsorship of the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE. Have you considered upskilling your self and/or your staff? TAFE have a range of courses that will suit your needs.

Also, a big thanks to the team at Accommodation Rimini by the River who have donated the main prize, two nights in a one-bedroom apartment. Accommodation Rimini by the River is situated 50 meters from the beautiful Noosa River in Noosaville, offering the perfect base to explore the Noosa biosphere’s many attractions.

 In addition to the accommodation package, the winner will also get a fabulous family pass to Aussie World offering unlimited rides all day including the new water ride Plunge, thrill ride Redback and the fun Giant slide. This is a day out that the whole family can enjoy with adventure and fun all round. This is a great prize and compliments the accommodation package nicely.

We sincerely thank both our prize sponsors and our naming rights sponsor and we ask that you remember them when referring activities to your friends and colleagues.

And don't forget to CLICK HERE to participate in the survey before Friday March 30th, it will only take a couple of minutes of your time.

Aussie World - A fun day for everyone

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:13:00 GMT

One lucky family has the chance to win a ‘Holiday at Home’ prize package, which includes two nights accommodation at Accommodation Rimini by the River and a family pass to Aussie World as part of the current Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey.

The Aussie World family pass includes access to unlimited rides all day including the new water ride Plunge, thrill ride Redback and the fun Giant slide.

The Plunge is a log flume ride with two steep climbs and drop-offs. Riders climb aboard hollowed-out logs propelled by flowing water through a waterway before climbing upwards then plunging down a ramp at great speed.....twice!

With so many thrill rides and games this is a day out that the whole family can enjoy with adventure and fun all round.

And all you have to go into the draw to win is answer a few simple questions in the Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey HERE.

For further information about the survey including terms and conditions, go to our dedicated survey webpage.

Have your say! Contribute to the local economic outlook

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:10:00 GMT

Have you logged on and participated in the Sunshine Coast's very own business confidence survey? Once again, one lucky participant has the opportunity to win a ‘Holiday at Home’ package kindly donated by the team from Accommodation Rimini by the River and the team at Aussie World.

Each year around 500 participants from the Coast participate in this important data collecting exercise dedicated solely to the entire Sunshine Coast.

The prize package includes:

2 nights accommodation at Rimini by the River in a one-bedroom apartment.
A family pass to Aussie World.

And all you have to do to win is participate in this March edition of the survey HERE.

For further information about the survey including terms and conditions, go to our dedicated Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey webpage, where you can also download previous survey reports.

The results of this survey will be launched at a lunch held at Cartwrights Restaurant, Sunshine Coast TAFE Mooloolaba Campus on Tuesday May 1st at an exclusive dinner for business and industry from 6.30pm to 9.00pm. The dinner will feature key regional business leaders analysing the results to determine how these align with the national and local economy and what they mean to you. Invitations will be distributed, however to reserve your seat now, please confirm your attendance by emailing EmployerAcademy.SCIT@det.qld.gov.au or contacting Tracey Singh on 07 5457 1143.

Thanks also to Sunshine Coast Destinations Ltd for helping find our prize sponsors, and of course always a big thanks to our Survey naming rights sponsor the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE.

Sunshine Coast TAFE: Supporting our business community

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:38:00 GMT

The biannual Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey has been proudly sponsored by Sunshine Coast TAFE since 2010. The survey series was established in 2008 and boasts a regular response rate of more than 500 businesses.

Sunshine Coast TAFE encourages businesses to participate in the March 2012 Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey (click here to take part). Data collected and evaluated by both Boardroom Business and the Suncorp Bank informs Coast business opportunities, growths and declines.

Sunshine Coast TAFE Institute Director Ross Hepworth said the survey helps track the global economy.

“The short and long term effects of this economy reflects on our local market, including the impact of online trading, skills shortages and potential new taxes can help us all develop strategies to address these challenges and opportunities,” Mr Hepworth said.

Sunshine Coast TAFE is one of the Coast’s large employers with extensive local industry networks which involve the provision of training and working with industry professionals helping them identify funding opportunities for apprentices and trainees.

Sunshine Coast TAFE offers a variety of customised, cost-effective and nationally accredited training programs that incorporate flexible learning where appropriate to suit the needs of clients.

“This survey gives a direct voice for businesses on the Coast and helps us address the region’s issues in a unified manner,” Mr Hepworth said.

By participating in the Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey, all participants have the chance to win a ‘Holiday at Home’ prize package.

The report and results of the survey will be launched at a dinner to be held at Cartwrights Restaurant, Sunshine Coast TAFE Mooloolaba Campus on Tuesday May 1st from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

The dinner will feature key regional stakeholders analysing the results to determine how the results align with the national and local economy and what they mean to you. Invitations will be distributed, however to reserve your seat now, please confirm your attendance by emailing EmployerAcademy.SCIT@det.qld.gov.au or contacting Tracey Singh on 07 5457 1143.

Rimini Resort - Tranquility by the Noosa River

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:34:00 GMT

The Sunshine Coast business confidence survey is underway and businesses can participate in the March survey by answering a few simple questions here. In addition to contributing to an accurate local economic outlook, participants in the survey will also have the chance to win a ‘Holiday at Home’ prize package as a thank you to both our new and regular supporters.

We are very grateful for the team at Accommodation Rimini by the River who have donated the main prize, two nights in a one-bedroom self-contained apartment. Accommodation Rimini by the River is situated 50 meters from the beautiful Noosa River in Noosaville, offering the perfect base to explore the Noosa biosphere’s many attractions.

Rimini by the River offers boutique style holiday accommodation with 4.5 Star Triple AAA rated Noosa accommodation.

With an in-house massage service, heated swimming pool, spa and BBQ area, excellent hospitality and service, complementary guest use of DVD’s and secured car parking Accommodation Rimini by the River offers everything for a relaxing holiday.

The tranquil Noosa River offers relaxing and fun filled tour activities including the choice of a boat cruise, jet skiing, fishing, kayaking or a leisurely stroll to enjoy a beautiful sunset along the riverfront. Rimini is centrally located to restaurants, boutique shopping, supermarkets, tours and a multitude of family attractions nearby.

In addition to the accommodation package, the winner will also get a family pass to Aussie World. We also send a big thanks to Aussie World and we will feature them in an upcoming blog post.

To learn more about the survey, including terms and conditions of the prize draw - and more importantly - to PARTICIPATE in the Survey go HERE.

More locally grown fruit and vegetables needed

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Sunshine Coast restaurants can’t get enough of locally grown produce and an appeal has been made to all local growers to register their interest to cash in on the demand.

According to fruit and vegetable distributor Graeme Twine from Suncoast Fresh, local restaurants and facilities are demanding an increasing amount of locally grown produce on a weekly basis.

“Chefs do know the difference between locally grown produce and produce that is imported from outside the region. Not only is local produce fresher with a greater shelf life but often it tastes better as well,” said Mr Twine.

“We do of course already have many highly valued growers that we work closely with, including making sure that we place their excess produce during peak seasons, but we need double that amount of growers to satisfy demand.”

The local food trend is not new and can be traced back through groups like the slow food movement established in 1986. However with a rise in cooking shows and gourmet travel experiences, today’s consumer is becoming even more interested in where their food comes from.

According to a survey on chef’s attitudes towards purchasing local foods conducted 6 months ago by Sunshine Coast based market researchers Boardroom Business (commissioned by the Dept of Employment, Economic Development & Innovation), 74% of chefs were committed to sourcing local produce and 64% were actively marketing local foods on their menus.

“We need more locally grown rocket, baby spinach, coriander, capsicum, eggplant, micro-herbs, shallots, Chinese vegetables, lettuces, corn and beetroot just to name a few,” said Mr Twine.

“I know how hard it is for growers to get consistent high quality produce, so we work with our growers on volume requirements, bunch sizes and they then plant accordingly.

“We believe in supporting the local economy, as local farmers employ locals, who in turn eat at local cafes and restaurants.”

With an export licence and a growing business, Graeme and his business partner Duane Ashton are currently hosting a film crew from Singapore this week as they showcase Queensland and Sunshine Coast produce for a hit Chinese language show called Food Source.

“Many of our growers are now producing export-quality produce and we can give them those export opportunities if they want.”

Local growers are encouraged to contact Graeme Twine directly on ph 0422 255 644 to discuss produce requirements.

Image caption: Linda Tabone from Suncoast Limes and Simon Jackson from Bistro C chat about local produce.

Link to the Sunshine Coast Daily article on this topic along with comments from the general public here.

Big thanks to Rimini by the River and Aussie World

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:26:00 GMT

Each and every time we run the Sunshine Coast business confidence survey we are always very grateful for the many participants giving up their time to give their thoughts, and this time around is no exception.

Once again we have created a ‘Holiday at Home’ prize package for businesses that participated in the Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey as a thank you to those who participate regularly and those who are also new to the survey.

We are very grateful for the team at Accommodation Rimini by the River who have donated the main prize, two nights in a one-bedroom apartment. Accommodation Rimini by the River is situated 50 meters from the beautiful Noosa River in Noosaville, offering the perfect base to explore the Noosa biosphere’s many attractions.

 In addition to the accommodation package, the winner will also get a fabulous family pass to Aussie World offering unlimited rides all day including the new water ride Plunge, thrill ride Redback and the fun Giant slide thanks to Aussie World. This is a day out that the whole family can enjoy with adventure and fun all round. This is a great prize and compliments the accommodation package nicely.

We sincerely thank both our naming rights sponsor, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE and our prize sponsors and we ask that you remember them when referring activities to your friends and colleagues.

Have you had your say yet in the Coast's premier business survey? To participate in the survey and enter the prize draw go to our dedicated survey page, which will also have details of the prize draw including full terms and conditions.

Sunshine Coast Survey OPENS

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:26:00 GMT

The tenth Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey supported by Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE opens today with a focus on general business conditions across the entire coast as well as a closer look at the resources boom.

Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE Director Ross Hepworth said the business confidence survey is the most widely supported collaborative business tool on the Coast today with over 25 business groups and government agencies involved.

“With this type of reach, all business types and sizes can both participate and share in the results of a collective view about local business conditions,” Mr Hepworth said.

Since its inception in 2008, the business confidence survey has regularly achieved a high response rate, with more than 500 businesses participating.

“The ability to track the global economy and its short and long term effects on our local economy, including the impact of online trading, skills shortages and potential new taxes can help us all develop strategies to address these challenges and opportunities,” said Mr Hepworth.

“Another advantage of this survey is that it is a good opportunity to match the voice of business against data from the usual sources such as Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), but coupled with a sense of the experiences and what is actually happening in business on the Coast.”

In addition to the baseline confidence questions, the March survey will measure whether local businesses have seen any benefit from the resources boom, with questions targeting past benefits and potential future benefits.

“This survey gives a direct voice for business on the Coast and helps us address the region’s issues in a unified manner.”
Mr Hepworth encouraged local business owners and operators to log on to the online survey to have their say.

“Everybody is busy until a decision gets made that impacts upon them, so log on and spend the three minutes it would take to help create an accurate local business outlook.”

The anonymous online survey opens on Thursday 8 March and will be available for participation up until Friday 30 March.

Businesses wishing to participate in the survey can go to HERE.

Moreton Bay Business Confidence Survey RESULTS - Business improving

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:36:00 GMT

Trading conditions for local businesses continued to be tough during the second half of 2011, but the majority of Moreton Bay Region businesses have maintained their profitability, according to the latest Moreton Bay Business Confidence Survey released today.

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor, Allan Sutherland, said confidence for 2012 was also improving.

“The survey demonstrates the resilience of local businesses in the Moreton Bay Region with the majority of businesses reporting trading conditions and profitability were either the same, stronger or much stronger in the past six months,” Mayor Sutherland said.

“And despite the serious economic challenges that have unfolded globally in recent months, there’s more optimism among business leaders that profitability will bounce back in 2012.”

More than 420 business owners and managers had their say in the second Moreton Bay Business Confidence survey conducted late last year.

Key findings include:

* 38 percent of businesses predict stronger business performance in the next six months (up from 37 percent)

* 61 percent of businesses report profitability was the same, stronger or much stronger in the last six months (up from 51 percent)

“It’s very encouraging to see business profitability holding and some instances increasing in the Moreton Bay Region, particularly when you consider the results of similar surveys on the Sunshine Coast and at Gympie,” the Mayor said.

“A profitable business sector means more jobs for locals – and that’s important.”

Assessments on the Sunshine Coast and in Gympie found just over half of all businesses surveyed either maintained or improved their profitability, compared with 61 percent in the Moreton Bay Region.

Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay Chair, Neil Hoddinett, said the Moreton Bay Business Confidence Survey responses would help build new strategies to assist local businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“That’s not to say there aren’t challenges, with 55 percent of respondents concerned about rising overheads and utility costs,” Mr Hoddinett said.

“Global and national economic conditions, as well as price pressures from customers and competitors, were nominated by 36 percent of businesses as having the potential to erode profitability and more importantly confidence.

“It highlights our commitment to working in partnership with the business community to identify opportunities that can help our region to continue to prosper.”

Results from the Moreton Bay Business Confidence Survey can be downloaded at: www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au or here on our dedicated Moreton Bay Business Confidence Survey page.

Gympie 'Food Miles' ClimateSmart business cluster

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:31:00 GMT

Do you operate a food related business in the Gympie region? If so, we want to hear from you as we have just submitted a ClimateSmart business cluster grant application to the Queensland Govt to bring together like-minded businesses who wish to support their local food industry.

Outline: A grant application has been submitted to the Queensland ClimartSmart business cluster program to create a ‘Food miles’ business cluster in the Gympie region. The project would draw together 20 businesses within the greater Gympie region in the food industry – primarily cafes, restaurants including some food producers – to commit to an ecoBiz energy efficiency program as well as commit to counting ‘Food Miles’ and promoting the use of local produce.

Food Miles concept: Participants will calculate the distance travelled for the food that is currently used by the cluster participants, by calculating how far it has travelled from its source. This highlights how far supplies have travelled and so contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. By then using local produce i.e. those within 100 miles of where the food is used the group can calculate how many greenhouse gases are saved by using local produce.

Project objectives: To assist in developing economic sustainability based on local community action and entrepreneurship in the food industry using private sector partnerships and networks, the project will:
¥   Identify opportunities to increase the variety and supply of quality fresh and value added food;
¥   Establish or promote existing local food supply chains that support trading relationships;
¥   Build demand for local food within the region from local residents and visitors;
¥   Facilitate development of authentic local food tourism and AgriTourism enterprises and experiences;
¥   Raise the region’s profile for both regional food and tourism through public relations activities and aligning to existing local branding initiatives.
¥   Partner with and promote related local food production programs i.e. the cluster already in development by the Gympie Regional Council’s economic development unit.
¥   Create the opportunity for financial savings through the monitoring and development of energy efficiencies in each business participating in the program.

Activities: It is expected that the group will meet monthly and commence the ecoBiz program including calculations of baseline data. Boardroom Business representatives will visit the premises of each business participating in the program to assist with the process. Both energy and food miles targets will be established and then participants will work towards implementing those targets. Progress will be monitored and relationships developed to further the promotion of the use of local food within the region.

Expected project outcomes: The food mile project will
1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the food chain within the Region by businesses undertaking the ecoBiz process to reduce the energy, water and waste of the participating businesses
2. Boost business-to-business relationships between local businesses
3. Reduce food miles in the Region and in the food supply chain through:
･   Linking growers, producers and specialist food manufacturers with end users including restaurants, and accommodation and function venues and reducing impediments to shorter supply chains
･   Improving skills and business to business relationships in existing local supply chains and opportunities
･   Identifying productivity improvement and distribution opportunities for regional food businesses
･   Driving regional demand by increasing local consumer awareness, and
･   Assisting branding and marketing of the Gympie Region as a destination within the SEQ food tourism region by enhancing market penetration. 

Principle project partners: Boardroom Business is the organisation submitting the grant proposal. Boardroom Business currently project manages the biannual Gympie Region Business Confidence Survey, commissioned by the Gympie Regional Council and works in partnership with the Region’s chambers of commerce. The Gympie Regional Council is a strong supporter of the project and will help facilitate the project alongside other regional economic development projects. Additional project partners are warmly welcomed.

Why get involved?: Did you know that on average, ecoBiz partners have reduced their energy consumption by a fifth, their water consumption by a third and their waste by a half and each business has ended up saving thousands of dollars? In addition, business participating in this food miles cluster will not only start to source more produce locally but also be part of a region wide promotional campaign.

How to get involved: There are primarily two ways you can get involved with this project:
1.   Business Cluster participant: If you are a business operating in the food sector and are interested in getting involved, we warmly welcome your enquiry. There is no cost to participate and we are looking for 20 local businesses that are passionate about sustainability and working collaboratively on the aims and objectives of this project.
2.   Project supporter: If you are an organisation working closely with businesses in the food sector and have similar aims and objectives to those of this project, we warmly welcome your support and/or assistance. A letter of support is the first step.

Project contact details: If you would like to get involved please contact:
･   Anne Lawrence, Boardroom Business. Ph: 07 5430 6646  Email: anne@boardroombusiness.com.au

Global Markets Affecting Gympie Region

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:13:00 GMT

The results from the latest Gympie Region Business Confidence Survey were released at an event at the Gympie Civic Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

A presentation by Suncorp Financial Market's analyst Darryl Conroy highlighted the Region is not immune to events occurring on the other side of the world. This was apparent in the survey findings, where many businesses expressed frustration by the lack of both business and consumer confidence and its impact on the local economy.

Almost half of respondents revealed the previous six months business performance was weaker than the six months prior to that. However, less than one third of respondents believed the next six months would be weaker, suggesting an underlying confidence in the Region.

The next survey will be run in May 2012.