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
