It has been really interesting talking to business and business people over the last few months about how well they are faring. There is a definite two sided story. Some businesses have definitely been affected in that the recession has affected their demand and they have felt the need to take measures to counter this. There are also a huge number of businesses that have been telling us a different story.
I have spoken to businesses lately in the primary industries that are still experiencing too much demand. Other small businesses are still trying to cope with workloads and time management as they work their way through backlogs. We also know that the Tourism Sector has had a very busy summer in fact some of our members are reporting turnover exceeding 2008 and 2007 figures.
It appears that the smaller businesses are able to adapt and change course more quickly and are doing a good job of keeping on top of the recession.
9 Interesting business confidence facts
- Fewer Businesses in Northland expect the General Deteriation to get worse over the next six months (53% compared to 58%)
- However, in terms of individual business prospects, 40% of Northland businesses consider their prospects will improve over the next six months compared with just 32% in Auckland, 34% in Rotorua, 39% in Tauranga and 32% in Hamilton.
- Business confidence hasn’t dropped further to what it was in the pre-Christmas period.
- Coupled with comments many respondents made about maintaining a wary attention to confirming sales, raising finance and getting paid, the survey findings suggest businesses generally have prepared themselves for a medium period of flat to no growth.
- At the same time, the mood among many businesses continues to be positive and reflect a strong self-belief that getting on with ‘doing the business’ continues to be rewarded with results.
- This is a good sign. On the one hand it is apparent that the strong impact the recession has had in other economies such as the United States and United Kingdom resulted in many businesses here putting up the shutters early.
- On the other hand, it is also apparent that many businesses now see that ‘sitting on hands’ is not an option, especially in Northland.
- Proportionately more Northland business than in other centres, including Auckland, are optimistic about their situation improving over the next months.
- The scope businesses see for further cuts in interest rates is also realistic and reflects a strong desire of business to grow.
In April and May the Chamber along with Enterprise Northland will be going on a road trip to 10 different districts in Northland to tell people how much assistance there is available for business especially small business.
The main message from these sessions is to let businesses know that there is help out there and here is no reason what so ever to be alone.
A couple of ways that businesses can help themselves improve performance, raise their marketing and turn around their businesses through the chamber are
1. Enter the Westpac Northland Business Excellence Awards – You get access to two lots of experts. Firstly a Business Coach (Who is in the Business of Business) will come out and review your operations and guide you in your awards journey. Once you have submitted your application a panel of experts in Judges will vist and also give you feedback. All this is free. The only requirement is your time. Can you afford not to enter the awards?
2. Any business serious about rapid improvement MUST enquire about our 90 day turnaround programme. This is an intensive 14 week, 10% learning and 90% Action orientated programme. The requirements to enter this programme are fourfold. You must be serious about moving your business up a level or turning your business around. 2. You must commit to attending the 14 weekly sessions / reviews and follow all actions agreed upon.3. You must be totally prepared to work with 12 other businesses that have the same drive as you.4. You must be prepared to invest financially in the programme. ($1900). If you are deadly serious about taking action to change
Call the Northland Chamber of Commerce now to enquire about these and other ways we can assist you prosper in business.
The Northland Chamber of Commerce is the networking, education, advocacy and marketing group for Northland business, and is part of a nationwide network of 30 and a world-wide movement of 21,000 chambers. Subscription to the free fortnightly chamber e-news can be arranged on info@northchamber.co.nz. Enquiries to 09-4384771 or www.northchamber.co.nz, www.kaiparachamber.co.nz and www.farnorthchamber.co.nz
You can have a say on this by going to the Northland Chamber of Commerce Feedback website on www.northchamber.blogspot.com
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