UNDER EMBARGO: FOR RELEASE TO PUBLIC ON THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2009
Christmas to bring cheer to ACT businesses
Christmas trading is expected to bring some much-needed cheer to ACT’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 conditions improved for ACT’s small businesses
during the quarter and the Christmas period was expected to bring further good news.
“ACT small businesses have experienced challenging trading conditions over the last 12
months.
“The environment has improved considerably over the last quarter and businesses are
optimistic about trading conditions for the Christmas period,” Ms Singh said.
The Sensis® Business Index shows ACT small businesses have experienced strong
improvements in sales, profitability and employment during the quarter. “In fact, it is the first
time we have seen profitability in positive territory in the ACT since November 2007.”
Despite improving conditions, the ACT has the lowest level of business confidence in
Australia, and is the only state or territory to experience a fall in business confidence during
the quarter.
The impact of climate change policies on business and changes to government policies are
the key reason ACT businesses are worried about their prospects.
Approval of the ACT Government rose during the quarter, and it is the third most supported
state or territory government.
Perceptions that the ACT Government is being supportive of small business, offering
incentives and spending money are key reasons for approval.
December 2009 Sensis® Business Index ACT Key Indicators:
The business confidence indicator declined six percentage points to 48 per cent
Over the quarter, eight per cent of businesses decreased their workforce size, while
14 per cent increased staff numbers, with the remaining making no changes
The profitability indicator rose substantially from negative eight per cent to positive
nine per cent
Demand for goods and services continued to improve, with the sales indicator up
from positive one per cent to positive seven per cent
Capital expenditure fell, with the indicator down from positive three per cent to
negative seven 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
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