UNDER EMBARGO: FOR RELEASE TO PUBLIC ON THURSDAY 3 DECEMBER 2009
NT businesses succeed the nation
Want to run a successful business? Then the NT appears to be the place to do it, 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 NT small businesses topped the nation on many of
the important indicators that measure the health of the sector.
“NT’s small businesses have experienced the largest boost in confidence during the quarter,
making them again the nation’s most confident.
“Business confidence in the Northern Territory is now the strongest it has been since
February 2008,” Ms Singh said.
“Profitability also improved in the NT during the quarter, and along with the ACT, is the
strongest in the nation.
“Importantly, employment by NT’s businesses continued to strengthen and is now
outstripping the nation,” she continued.
However, demand for goods and services has decreased over the quarter, albeit from a high
level, and the wet season is expected to bring much more subdued conditions for NT’s small
businesses.
“The NT has the nation’s lowest sales, wages and profitability expectations for this coming
quarter.
“Nevertheless, the next 12 months is anticipated to bring further success for NT’s
businesses, which has translated to a strong commitment to capital expenditure purchases,”
she said.
Along with the Western Australian Government, the NT Government continues to be the
nation’s most popular state or territory government.
Perceptions that the NT Government is being supportive of small business, offering
incentives and giving financial support are key reasons for approval.
December 2009 Sensis® Business Index NT Key Indicators:
The business confidence indicator rose nine percentage points to 69 per cent
Over the quarter, 13 per cent of businesses decreased their workforce size, while 23
per cent increased staff numbers, with the remaining making no changes
The profitability indicator rose from eight to nine per cent
Demand for goods and services fell, with the sales indicator down from 17 to 10 per
cent
Capital expenditure fell, with the indicator down from positive six per cent to negative
four 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 
