UNDER EMBARGO: FOR RELEASE TO PUBLIC ON THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2009
The Christmas Grinch to visit NSW businesses
Christmas trading is expected to be subdued for NSW’s small businesses, according to the
Sensis® Business Index released today.
The quarterly survey began in 1993 and provides the latest snapshot of small and medium
enterprise (up to 199 employees) business activity in Australia. It is based on a sample size
of 1,800 from metropolitan and regional areas, interviewed between 30 October and 20
November 2009.
Report author Ms Christena Singh said NSW small businesses had experienced weaker
trading conditions during the quarter and expected conditions to be subdued during the
Christmas trading season.
“The last quarter has been disappointing for many small businesses in NSW, with most of
the gains made during the previous quarter negated.
“While NSW businesses are not expecting to return to the severe conditions experienced 12
months ago, they are certainly not expecting a bumper period,” Ms Singh said.
The Sensis® Business Index shows NSW small businesses experienced the nation’s lowest
profit and sales results for the quarter.
Business confidence did improve during the quarter but remains below the national average.
Providing a non-essential product; people not spending; and a decrease in business are the
main reasons businesses are worried about their prospects.
Support for the NSW Government remained unchanged during the quarter. It has the
nation’s lowest government approval rating from small businesses.
The main reasons businesses do not support the government are perceptions there are no
incentives for small business, stamp duty is too high, government not taking action and
issues with transportation.
December 2009 Sensis® Business Index NSW Key Indicators:
The business confidence indicator rose three percentage points to 49 per cent
Over the quarter, 14 per cent of businesses decreased their workforce size, while
eight per cent increased staff numbers, with the remaining making no changes
The profitability indicator declined from negative eight per cent to negative 13 per
cent
Demand for goods and services fell, with the sales indicator down from positive one
per cent to negative one per cent
Capital expenditure fell, with the indicator down from negative two per cent to
negative 17 per cent.
-ENDS-
For interviews with the report author or for further information contact:
De-Arne Carr on 03 9397 5677 or 0419 585 711
For further commentary from report author Christena Singh, visit
Sensis® Business Index is available now by contacting the above or can be downloaded
NEWS 
