UNDER EMBARGO: FOR RELEASE TO PUBLIC ON THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2009
Conditions turn positive for SA business
South Australian businesses have experienced positive trading conditions for the first time in
well over a year, 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 continued to improve for South Australia’s
small businesses during the quarter, and the Christmas period was expected to bring further
positive results.
“South Australian small businesses have experienced challenging trading conditions over
the last 12 months.
“The environment has improved considerably over the last quarter, with conditions turning
positive for the first time in well over a year,” Ms Singh said.
The Sensis® Business Index shows South Australian small businesses experienced strong
improvements in sales, profitability and employment during the quarter.
“This is the first time we have seen profitability in positive territory in South Australia since
February 2008.”
Conditions are expected to remain positive during the upcoming summer quarter. In
particular, employment by South Australian small businesses is expected to be strong.
Business sentiment remained steady at the national average.
Small business support for the South Australian Government continued to decline, and it is
now the nation’s third least popular state or territory government.
Perceptions that there are no incentives for small business, issues with land tax and the
government doesn’t care are key reasons small business do not support the South
Australian Government.
December 2009 Sensis® Business Index South Australian Key Indicators:
The business confidence indicator remained stable at 52 per cent
Over the quarter, eight per cent of businesses decreased their workforce size, while
10 per cent increased staff numbers, with the remaining making no changes
The profitability indicator rose substantially from negative 16 per cent to positive eight
per cent
Demand for goods and services continued to improve, with the sales indicator up
from negative 13 per cent to positive 12 per cent
Capital expenditure fell, with the indicator down from positive seven per cent to
negative one 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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