An Auckland Chamber of Commerce confidence survey – the first for 2013 covering responses from over 1100 firms in the region – shows a dramatic lift in confidence, reports Chamber CEO Michael Barnett.

"There has been a shift from firms who have simply expected ‘more of the same’ to those who believe the economy will improve over the next six months.

 

Auckland Business Confidence:

                       Aug 12   Nov 12   Feb 13

Improve          30%       29%       47%

Same              56%       53%       43%

Deteriorate     14%       18%       10%

 

A similar effect has occurred in the response from business owners where 57% of respondents (up from 47%) believe the economy will improve and just 35% believe we will have more of the same (down from 42% in November 2012).

A rising concern from those wishing to expand their business through employment of skills is the message from the survey that over 25% of firms looking to employ skills are having difficulty finding the right people with the right skills,” says Barnett.

The survey also found :

• Employment intentions are up from 14% in November 2012 to 20%.

• Hours expected to be worked are up. 

• Profitability expectations are up.

• Demand is up.

 

For more information on the Auckland Chamber of Commerce February Business Confidence Survey, visit www.aucklandchamber.co.nz