PRESIDENT S FOREWORD · 2020. 1. 30. · With technology changing at a rapid pace, GI will support...

It gives me great pleasure to present the 2018 Boom Bust Recharge Gladstone Region Business Study. This is the third iteration of the Boom Bust series and was a critical tool in gathering data to allow business trend analysis. It follows surveys conducted in 2014 and 2016 during and post LNG construction.

Can I firstly thank our funding partner for the entire Boom Bust series to date, Australian Pacific LNG (APLNG) and in particular Rob Gibb for supporting GCCI to deliver this vital research. GCCI are also extremely grateful to the 240 businesses that chose to complete the survey and add their voice.

The 2018 Study highlights changes in business perceptions with a greater degree of positivity. 36% of respondents foresee a ‘better’ financial position in the next 12 months (2016 survey = 18%). This increased level of positivity translates to positive views to increase workforce and business investment, which bodes well for the future.

Boom Bust Recharge, has reinforced GCCI’s strategic direction and highlighted areas of focus, some of which are underway:

1. Benefits of peak body membership With a decline in membership across all peak bodies, GCCI aim to better articulate the value of membership and the core areas of business, support, training & education.

2. Transitioning mirco-businesses to small business The 2018 Study highlights the number of micro/small businesses in their infancy. GCCI will position itself to be accessible in providing support, education, learnings and mentorship to new, micro and start-up businesses, with a view to them becoming the next small businesses of the region.

3. Small business digital readiness With technology changing at a rapid pace, GCCI will support businesses being better equipped with the right education and solutions to take their businesses forward, and become digital ready to continue to compete, diversify, automate and improve efficiency.

4. Service support, education & training As in prior surveys, there are a number of key services that businesses identify as challenges, namely marketing, strategy planning, IT and HR. To that end GCCI are committed to providing avenues to support businesses with solutions, education and training to alleviate concerns in these areas.

5. Mental health resilience With mental health an issue facing communities in general, it is also a challenge that business owners face. GCCI acknowledge it must take the lead to support businesses facing mental health challenges by developing strategies and support mechanisms for business owners, managers and their employees.

6. Buy Local During the recent downturn, it’s been vital to support each other and look to buy local. GCCI acknowledges the lead GRC has taken in this regard in applying local content weighting in tenders. GCCI will continue to advocate businesses and consumers to buy local.

Small business is the lifeblood of all local communities and GCCI will continue to evolve and address the perceptions and issues of businesses in the Gladstone Region.

Once again, can I take this opportunity to thank APLNG for their continued support of the local business community. GCCI would also like to thank local consultancy group Amarna for assistance in delivering the survey as well as our sister peak body membership groups in the region and local media partners for promoting the survey.

President - Gladstone Chamber of Commerce & Industry April 2018

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

METHODOLOGY

1: Study Determination

2: Survey Development

4: Response Collation

5: Report & Release

GCCI identified the need for a study to determine the real impact of the

industrial construction boom on small to medium businesses back in 2014,

when it undertook the first Gladstone Regional Business Study. Since then,

the biennial business study was conducted in 2016 and again in 2018. The

2018 study will provide an opportunity to identify significant trends in

business over the very different economic environments that occurred since

the initial study.

The 2018 survey questions were developed on the back of the 2014 and 2016

survey questions, with additional questions regarding technology. Open and

closed questions focussed on the past, present and future of businesses in

the Gladstone Region. The survey was set up using survey monkey to collect,

collate and analyse responses.

3: Data Collection

Q + A

The survey opened on November 6, 2017 and closed February 13, 2018. The

survey was distributed through the email databases of GCCI, GAPDL and GEA,

with regular reminders sent out. The survey was promoted to businesses

through advertisements and editorials in The Gladstone Observer. Online

promotions for the survey were uploaded on the GCCI website and various

Facebook pages/groups. Verbal promotion of the survey took place at

meetings, visits to businesses and through general word of mouth.

Collation of responses and cross analysis of questions was undertaken by the

GCCI Management Committee. Further cross analysis of questions and

results of the data can be provided on request.

This report is to present the data collected in both 2014, 2016 and 2018. It is

the task of the reader to draw their own inferences and conclusions from the

data and what it means to the organisation. GCCI is offering the opportunity

for readers to discuss the results and how they apply to the individual

business or industry. As trends start to immerge within the data, further

research may be undertaken to determine the cause.

Page 2

Generic data was collected from the 240 responding businesses detailing the type of industry,

location, structure, size and when the business was established in the Gladstone Region.

INDUSTRY REPRESENTATION

BUSINESS LOCATION

SECTION ONE/

BUSINESS DEMOGRAPHICS

3.5%

4.4%

6.4%

0.9%

0.9%

13.5%

7.0%

3.9%

1.3%

1.8%

7.0%

19.2%

1.8%

5.2%

1.8%

2.2%

0.9%

0.4%

Arts and recreation services

Health care and social assistance

Education and training

Public administration and safety

Administrative and support services

Professional, scientific and technical services

Rental, hiring and real estate services

Financial and insurance services

Information media and telecommunications

Transport, postal and warehousing

Accommodation and food services

Retail trade

Wholesale trade

Construction

Electricity, gas, water and waste services

Manufacturing

Mining

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

5.6%

0.9%

0.4%

1.7%

1.7%

6.4%

12.5%

82.0%

OTHER

BOYNE VALLEY

MOUNT LARCOM

AGNES WATER/1770

MIRIAM VALE

CALLIOPE

BOYNE ISLAND/TANNUM SANDS

GLADSTONE

“What is the structure of your business?”

“When was your business established in the

Gladstone Region?”

“How many people does your business employ on a

regular basis?”

Within the past year

1-5 years ago

>5-10 years ago

> 10 years ago

Micro

Small

Medium

Large

Sole trader

Partnership

Company

Trust

Association

Other

Result by year 2018 2016 2014

Within the past year 6% 8% 3%

1-5 years ago 27% 18% 22%

>5-10 years ago 19% 21% 23%

>10 years ago 48% 53% 52%


Micro (< 5 employees) 47% 46% 37%

Small (5-19 employees) 34% 38% 40%

Medium (20-199 employees) 16% 12% 17%

Large (over 200 employees) 3% 4% 6%


Sole Trader 20% 23% 14%

Partnership 8% 5% 7%

Company 61% 57% 64%

Trust 7% 11% 9%

Association 2% 2% 3%

Other 2% 2% 3%

SECTION TWO/

MEMBERSHIP

59%

of responding businesses were not members

of any of the 3G’s.

2014 - 66.5% 2016 - 50%

41%

of responding businesses were a member of a peak

business organisation (3G’s - GCCI, GAPDL or GEA)

2014 - 33.5% 2016 - 50%

PEAK ORGANISATION BREAKDOWN

Page 6

73% of respondents from the RETAIL sector were not members of any peak organisation

(2016 - 63%; 2014 - 56%)

23% of respondents from the PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC or TECHNICAL SERVICES sector

were not a member of any peak organisation (2016 - 29%; 2014 - 10%)

49%

(2016-70%, 2014-58%)

of GCCI members responded to

the survey

26%

(2016-23%, 2014-33%)

of GEA members responded

to the survey

17%

(2016-26%, 2014-17%)

of GAPDL members responded to

the survey

The Gladstone Region has three

peak organisations, each having a

responsibility for economic

development and supporting small

and medium businesses.

A breakdown of the single

memberships and combination of

memberships is provided (right).

Responding businesses that ARE MEMBERS of peak organisations


GCCI ONLY 26% 26% 15%

GAPDL ONLY 10% 14% 14%

GEA ONLY 29% 19% 26%

GCCI & GAPDL 12% 17% 10%

GCCI & GEA 10% 11% 9%

GAPDL & GEA 4% 2% 10%

ALL 3 ORGANISATIONS 8% 11% 15%


Micro (<5 employees) 30% 41% 53%

Small (5 - 19 employees) 43% 55% 75%

Medium (20 - 199 employees) 77% 60% 82%

Large Business (over 200 employees) 83% 67% 83%


Within the past year 8% 20% 86%

One to five years ago (1-5 years) 27% 36% 72%

More than five years, but less than ten years ago (>5-10 years) 36% 53% 64%

More than ten years ago (>10 years) 60% 57% 68%

Respondents provided trends in business income

over the past three years

What phrase best describes trends in your business’s gross income over the PAST THREE YEARS?

PAST 3 YEARS

SECTION THREE/

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

42% of businesses responding from the PROFESSIONAL,

SCIENTIFIC and TECHNICAL SERVICES sector indicated ‘some increases’ when describing trends in gross income over the

past three years; 31% indicated ‘some decreases’; and 8% indicated ‘significant decreases’.

18% of businesses responding from the RETAIL sector

indicated ‘some increases’ when describing trends in gross

income over the past three years; 6% indicated ‘some

decreases’; and 41% indicated ‘significant decreases’.

33% of businesses responding that were established between

1-5 years ago indicated ‘some increases’ in gross income

trends over the past three years; 15% indicated ‘significant

increases’.

8% of businesses responding that were established between

>5-10 years ago indicated ‘some increases’ in gross income

trends over the past three years; 6% indicated ‘significant

increases’; and 50% indicated ‘significant decreases’.

40% (2016 - 35%; 2014 - 21%) of businesses responding that

were established >10 years ago indicated ‘significant decreases’ in gross income trends over the past three years.

“Gladstone has been very good to us, we have been in

business for 35 years. We would like to see the town pick up, not boom, but just

steady growth.”

Respondents provided trends in business income over the PAST 12 MONTHS and a

financial outlook for the business over the NEXT 12 MONTHS.

4 STAYE T E SA E

AS 12 M S

E 12 M S

3 e e a e

RE

47 e e a e

ESS

36 e e a e

ETTER

4 e e a e

SA E

23 e e a e

RSE e e S RE A

41%

7%

45%

%

n ter s of our finan ia position hat is the out ook for our business

o er the ne t 12 onths

7%

46%

17%

1 %

24%

46%

12%

2 4 2 6

as the ast finan ia ear s gross in o e ore or ess than the pre ious

ear

4 %

9%

1 %

2 4 2 6

42% of businesses responding that were established between 1-5 years ago indicated that last years’

financial income was ‘more’ than the previous year; 29% indicated ‘less.

42% of businesses responding that were established 1-5 years ago are predicting a financial position ‘better

for business’.

19% (2016 - 53%; 2014 - 50%) of businesses responding that were established between >5-10 years ago indicated that

last years’ financial income was ‘more’ than the previous year; 72% indicated ‘less’.

26% of businesses responding that were established >5-10 years ago are predicting a financial position ‘better for

business’.

23% (2016 - 47%; 2014 - 49%) of businesses responding that were established >10 years ago are predicting a financial

position ‘worse for business’.

21% (2016 - 11%; 2014 - 59%) of business responding from

the RETAIL sector indicated that last financial years’ gross

income was ‘more’ than the previous year; 47% (2016 -

60%) indicated ‘less’.

36% (2016 - 11%; 2014 - 19%) of business responding from

the RETAIL sector predicted a financial position ‘better for

business’ over the next 12 months; 30% (2016 - 51%)

predicted ‘worse for business’.

38% (2016 - 29%; 2014 - 24%) of business

responding from the PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC and TECHNICAL SERVICES sector indicated that last financial years’

gross income was ‘more than the previous year;

35% indicated ‘less’.

38% (2016 - 16%; 2014 - 20%) of business

responding from the PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC and TECHNICAL SERVICES sector predicted a financial position ‘better for business’ over the next 12

months; 23% (2016 - 48%; 2014 - 52%) predicted

‘worse for business’.

27

15

9 85

11 12

5

17

8

12

19

7

10

17

6

9

714

20

8

9

16

5

Decrease inWork

EconomicDownturn

FinancialManagement

High Costs GovernmentIssues

Staff Issues Trying toCompete

Marketing

Re

spo

nd

en

ts (

%)

Biggest Issues (Top Eight Responses)

First Response Second Response Third Response

Page

SECTION FOUR/

BIGGEST ISSUES “What are the three (3) biggest issues that your business is currently facing?”

Responding businesses were given the opportunity to provide an open-ended answer. Responses were grouped into the following categories, including first, second and third priority responses.

2018 2016 2014

53% 74% 46%

2018 2016

30% 30%

2018 2016 2014

35% 29% 20%

2018 2016 2014

47% 53% 37%

2018 2016 2014

20% 21% 25%

2018 2016 2014

30% 33% 59%

2018 2016 2014

45% 24% 20%

2018

16%

“Competition from cheap providers.”

“Per person spend is lowest in 5 years.”

“Council increasing businesses rates annually, why do they think we can bear this especially

in downtimes.”

“Planning/forecasting due to inconsistent

work.”

“Constant work issues, busy then get quiet, hard to get a

balance.”

NB: ‘Not buying locally’ has dropped off the Top Eight Responses to Biggest Issues.

Page

“What are the three (3) biggest issues that your business is currently facing?” First response answers have been compared across various business demographics,

with the top four responses listed.

Text Analysis: Most common words used when describing biggest issues

GCCI Members

1. Decrease in work 21% ~^

2. Economic downturn 19% ~

3. Trying to compete 14%

4. Financial management 14% ~

Non-members


2. Economic downturn 18%


4. High costs 8%

Micro Businesses (1-5 employees)


2. Financial management 13% ~

3. Trying to compete 13% ~

4. Marketing 11%

Small Businesses



3. High costs 14%

4. Staff issues 12% ~^

Medium Businesses



3. Government issues 11%

4. High costs 4%

Large Businesses


2. Staff issues 33%^

3. Trying to compete 33%^

Businesses established in the past year

1. Marketing 31% ~



4. High costs 11%

Businesses established between 1-5 years ago


2. Financial management 17%


4. Trying to compete 12% ~^

Businesses established between 5-10 years ago



3. Economic downturn 14%

4. Trying to compete 11% ~

Businesses established over 10 years ago



3. Staff issues 13%^


Businesses from the professional, scientific and

technical services sector





Businesses from the retail sector




4. High costs 9% ~

~ Indicates issue was also in top 4 list in 2016 ‘Boom, Bust or Reset’ Gladstone Region Business Study ^ Indicated issue was also in the top 4 list in 2014 ‘Boom or Bust’ Gladstone Region Business Study

Page

SECTION FIVE/

IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS

“How important are

industry projects to the

continuing viability of

your business?”

Highly important

Moderately important

Hardly important

Not important at all

Unsure

Highly Important

(48%)

Moderately Important

(38%)

68% of responding GEA members; 64% of responding GAPDL members; and 43% of

responding GCCI members indicated that industry projects are ‘highly important’ to the business.

67% of responding MEDIUM sized businesses and 100% of LARGE businesses indicated that

industry projects are ‘highly important’ to the business.

41% of responding businesses from the RETAIL sector; and 28% from the PROFESSIONAL,

TECHNICAL and SCIENTIFIC sector indicated that industry projects are ‘highly important’ to the business.

44% of responding SMALL businesses and indicated that industry projects are ‘moderately

important’ to the business.

41% of responding businesses established 1-5 years ago indicated that industry projects are

‘moderately important’ to the business.

52% of responding businesses from the PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL and SCIENTIFIC sector;

and 44% of the RETAIL sector indicated that industry projects are ‘moderately important’ to

the business.

Hardly Important

(9%)

18% of responding GCCI members indicated that industry projects are ‘Hardly important’ to

the business.

NB: This question was asked for the first time in the 2018 study.

“Does your business

currently benefit

from industry

projects in

Gladstone?”

“If you answered yes, and your business is benefiting from industry based projects –

how?”

2018 2016 2014

43% 66% 56%

Yes, my business benefits directly

Yes, my business benefits indirectly

No

Unsure

66% of responding GEA members; 44% of responding GAPDL members; 36% of responding GCCI members; and 15%

of non-member businesses indicated that the business ‘benefits directly’ from industry projects in Gladstone.

59% of responding MEDIUM sized businesses and 100% of LARGE businesses indicated that the business ‘benefits

directly’ from industry projects in Gladstone.

15% of responding businesses from the RETAIL sector; and 32% from the PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL and SCIENTIFIC

sector indicated that the business ‘benefits directly’ from industry projects in Gladstone.

36% of responding businesses established >10 years; 35% established >5-10 years ago; and 16% established 1-5 years

ago indicated that the business ‘benefits directly’ from industry projects in Gladstone.

2018 2016 2014

75% 63% 72%

2018 2016 2014

15% 31% 24%

2018 2016 2014

4% 3% 5%

2018 2016 2014

46% 25% 22%

NB: This question was

asked slightly differently

in the 2018 study to

reflect the change in

industry based economic

environment

“Has your business

experienced any

adverse effects from

industry projects in

Gladstone?”

Yes

No

Unsure

“If you answered yes, your business has experiences 'adverse

effects', what are the three biggest effects of industry projects

on your business?”

2018 2016 2014

65% 87% N/A


Yes 45% 43% 50%

No 38% 43% 38%

Unsure 17% 14% 12%

56% of responding GEA members; and 52% of responding GAPDL members indicated that the business

experienced ‘adverse effects’ from industry projects in Gladstone.

55% of responding SMALL sized businesses; 52% of MEDIUM businesses indicated that the business

experienced ‘adverse effects’ from industry projects in Gladstone.

55% of responding businesses established >10 years; and 36% established 1-5 years ago indicated that the

business experienced ‘adverse effects’ from industry projects in Gladstone.

2018 2016 2014

30% 22% 35%

2018 2016 2014

25% 67% 63% 2018 2016 2014

25% 20% 30% 2018 2016 2014

17% 24% 43% 2018

16%

2018

19%

2018

20%

NB: ‘Staff retention’ and ’Over supply’ have dropped off the Top Eight Responses to Adverse Effects.

SECTION SIX/

THE FUTURE “In terms of your investment/planning strategies, what is the outlook for your

business over the next 12 months?” (More than one response could be selected.)

2018 2016 2014

33% 22% 25%

2018 2016 2014

38% 50% 49%

2018 2016 2014

14% 19% 16%

2018 2016 2014

23% 17% 21%

2018 2016 2014

7% 9% 6%

GCCI Member

Businesses

GEA Member

Businesses

GAPDL Member

Businesses

Investment/planning strategy Non-Member

Businesses

35% 26% 32% Remain same (38%) 41%

37% 40% 40% Invest more to increase the size of business (33%) 31%

12% 14% 12% Change the line of business (14%) 16%

23% 28% 36% Invest in business outside of the Gladstone Region

(23%) 19%

7% 5% 8% Close down (7%) 7%

Breakdown of GCCI, GEA and GAPDL member and non-member responses:

“In terms of your investment/planning strategies, what is the outlook for your

business over the next 12 months?” - Various business demographic comparisons

Page 5

Invest more to increase the

size of business (33%)

Invest in business

outside the region (23%)

Remain the same (38%)

Close down (7%)

45% of responding businesses established >10 years ago are planning to ‘remain the

same’.

28% of responding businesses from the PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL and SCIENTIFIC

sector are planning to ‘remain the same’.

38% of responding businesses established 1-5 years ago are planning to ‘invest more

to increase the size of the business’.


sector are planning to ‘invest more to increase the size of the business’.

Change the line of business

(14%)

21% of responding businesses of MEDIUM size are planning to ‘change the line of

business’.


sector are planning to ‘change the line of business’.

3% of responding businesses from the RETAIL sector are planning to ‘change the line of

business’.

36% of responding businesses of MEDIUM size are planning to ‘invest in business

outside of the region’.


sector are planning to ‘invest in business outside of the region’.

9% of responding businesses from the RETAIL sector are planning to ‘invest in business

outside of the region’.

12% of responding businesses of MICRO size are planning to ‘close down’.

11% of responding businesses established >5-10 years ago are planning to ‘close

down’.

9% of responding businesses from the RETAIL sector are planning to ‘close down’.

“In terms of your

workforce, what is the

outlook for your

business over the next

12 months?”

Increase workforce

Reduce workforce

Retain workforce

Businesses reducing and increasing workforces comparison across various business demographics:


Increase workforce 27% 17% 17%

Reduce workforce 16% 30% 20%

Retain workforce 57% 53% 63%

Reduce workforce Business demographic Increase workforce

2014 2016 2018 Result by year 2018 2016 2014

20% 30%

7% GCCI Member Businesses 35%

17% 17% 12% GEA Member Businesses 37%

8% GAPDL Member Businesses 40%

19% 31% 21% Non-member Businesses 22% 13% 13%

10% 21% 14% Micro-businesses (<5 employees) 24% 15% 17%

28% 36% 17% Small Businesses (5-19 employees) 27% 18% 8%

19% 37% 18% Medium Businesses (20 - 199 employees) 36% 22% 34%

6% 24% 18% Established 1-5 years ago 27% 15% 19%

26% 28% 14% Established >5 - 10 years ago 20% 14% 16%

35% 24% 15% Established >10 years ago 30% 15% 15%

19% 37% 27% Retail sector 18% 3% 5%

25% 24% 8% Professional, technical and

scientific sector 36% 16% 4%

“Are there any

training needs

your business

has NOT been

able to access

in the

Gladstone

area?”

Yes

No

Unsure

“What services would you like assistance with to support your

business?” (more than one response could be selected)


Yes 30% 28% 25%

No 53% 59% 59%

Unsure 17% 13% 16%

SECTION SEVEN/

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

2018 2016

7% 7%

2018 2016

66% 58%

2018 2016

27% 27%

2018 2016

40% 40%

2018 2016

16% 16%

2018 2016

16% 9%

“Fill the empty shops with good cafes, to attract the

tourists.”

“It’s up to each entrepreneur to identify gaps and fill them.”

Page 8

“What suppliers (goods and

services) would you like to

see established in the

Gladstone Region to support

your business?”

TOP FIVE SUPPLIERS INDENTIFIED

• Technology, digital related businesses

• More/better retail

• Competitive wholesalers/suppliers

(building, engineering, hairdressing suppliers)

• Affordable marketing businesses

• Better food and beverage outlets

Top Response None or

N/A (27%)

Other responses included: Hardware in Boyne; More retail in the Gladstone city centre; Truck dealership; Crane mechanical servicing; Galvanizing plant; Good wedding venue; Rental agents; RV facilities; Tendering assistance; Efficient cost effective freight; Gas testing equipment calibrations.

“WHY?”

TOP TWO REASONS FOR WANTING NEW SUPPLIERS IN THE GLADSTONE REGION

• Local businesses are much dearer or have poor services

• No local supplier - currently spending money outside the region and would like to spend it locally

Other responses included:

• So healthier alternatives can compete and survive

• Bring back customers to the city centre

• Limited stock held in local businesses

• Convenience of our business to buy locally

• Can’t develop good relationships with local suppliers

• One supplier has a monopoly

• To attract new entrepreneurs

“I believe increasing the retail for the town would create more jobs and stop people from searching

outside the region.”

Page

SECTION EIGHT/

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY “Does your business have a

website?”

“Does your business have a mobile

version of your website?”

Yes

No

Wish we could

“Does your business have a mobile phone app in the App Store or on Google Play?”

Yes

No

Wish we could

“Is it easy to find technology to support your business needs?”

Yes

No

98% of responding GCCI members

93% of responding GEA members

92% of responding GAPDL members

100% of responding MEDIUM sized businesses

92% of responding PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL and SCIENTIFIC sector businesses

Don’t have a website

(17%)

Have a website

(79%)

24% of responding NON-MEMBER businesses

24% of responding MICRO sized businesses

39% of responding businesses established >5-10 years ago

27% of responding businesses from the RETAIL sector

NB: Information Technology questions were asked for the first time in the 2018 study.


“Do you use any of the following to promote your business and communicate with

customers and potential customers?”

“What is your

outlook toward

adjusting to digital

business (including

the internet)

opportunities?”

“What will assist

you to better

understand the

potential business

benefits of digital

business (including

the internet)?”

Very optimistic

Optimistic

Quite pessimistic

Pessimistic

Information/training solutions

Online services

Greater awareness

Greater access to relevant professionals

94%

10%

35%

35%

1%

1%

22%

4%

1%

2%

11%

11%

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

Instagram

Flickr

Tumblr

Google+

Pinterest

Salesforce Chatter

Yammer

Blogs

Other


SECTION NINE/

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

“Have you been able to promote your services/products effectively to culturally diverse populations in the Gladstone Region?”

Yes, large culturally diverse clientele

Somewhat

No, very few culturally diverse clientele

Unsure

“Is the owner of the business: Australian born or

overseas born?”

Australian born

Overseas born

Unsure


Yes, large culturally diverse clientele 32% 33% 27%

Somewhat 45% 38% 44%

No, very few culturally diverse clientele 10% 16% 14%

Unsure 13% 13% 15%


Australian born 85% 79% 80%

Overseas born 11% 16% 16%

Unsure 4% 5% 4%

SECTION TEN/

SUNDAY TRADING “Does your business

operate on Sundays?”

Yes, regularly

Yes, on demand

No

“If you do not operate on

Sundays, have you ever

considered this?”

Yes

No

When asked “What would encourage you to operate on Sunday?”

34% (2016 - 30%; 2014 - 27%) of businesses responded ‘nothing’; 18% (2016 - 27%; 2014 - 42%) said ‘consumer demand’;

and 16% had ‘no purpose for Sunday trade’.

“Nothing, I am a strong believer in there being a day of rest. This should be as wide spread as possible to assist families in spending time together.”

“More retail businesses collectively opening in the city centre.”


Yes, regularly 22% 22% 21%

Yes, on demand 25% 25% 31%

No 53% 53% 48%


Yes 22% 20% 15%

No 78% 80% 86%

SECTION ELEVEN/

MENTAL HEALTH “Has your business been affected by any issues relating to mental health, either your staff or yourself?”

Yes

No

Do not wish to answer

Unsure

“Does your business have

processes to manage issues

relating to mental health?”

Yes

No

Do not wish to answer

Unsure

44% of respondent MICRO businesses ‘do not have processes to manage issues relating to mental health’.

48% of respondent businesses established >5-10 years ago ‘do not have processes to manage issues relating to mental health’.

66% of respondent businesses from the RETAIL sector ‘do not have processes to manage issues relating to mental health’.

Result by year 2018 2016

Yes 31% 24%

No 57% 65%

Do not wish to answer 7% 6%

Unsure 5% 5%


Yes 45% 45%

No 38% 37%

Do not wish to answer 9% 10%

Unsure 8% 8%

44% of responding GAPDL members; 37% of responding GCCI members; 34% of responding GEA members;

and 24% of non-member businesses indicated that the business had been ‘affected by issues relating to mental

health’.

37% of responding SMALL businesses and 35% of responding MEDIUM businesses indicated that the business

had been ‘affected by issues relating to mental health’.

46% of responding businesses from the PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL and SCIENTIFIC sector indicated that the

business had been ‘affected by issues relating to mental health’.

37% of responding businesses established >10 years ago indicated that the business had been ‘affected by

issues relating to mental health’.

SECTION TWELVE/

BUY LOCAL

“Do you buy local from other

businesses in the Gladstone

Region?”

Yes, all the time

Sometimes

Not usually

Never (0%)


Yes, all the time 63% 73%

Sometimes 34% 26%

Not usually 3% 1%

Never 0% 0%

“Small businesses need more support from Government

(real support)”

SECTION THIRTEEN/

GOVERNMENT CHANGES “Has your business identified

an opportunity to provide

goods or services based on

Government regulation

changes, for example:

National Disability Insurance

Scheme, My Age Care,

Workplace Health and Safety,

etc.?”

Yes

No

Wish we could

Not relevant

NB: The Government Changes question weas asked for the first time in the 2018

“The more local

initiatives and groups

encouraging positivity,

the more it helps local

businesses. Pushing

negativity leads

nowhere.”

“High rents and

power bills make

if very difficult to

make a profit.” “In my industry,

breakdowns cost

money and the local

suppliers don't seem

to carry much stock.”

“Keep up the

great work

GCCI”

“A lot of people don’t

fully understand the

importance of

spending more

money in local

family

owned stores.”

SECTION FOURTEEN/

COMMENTS

“Technology is available, but it’s the cost of engaging a professional to put the systems in place if you are not tech savvy.”

“Stoked to see you guys putting in hard work and identifying the issues. We are in fairly good shape and would love opportunities to network and share ideas with other businesses in the area.”

“Group buying power should be established so we can compete with the bulk purchasing of the industrial giants and affiliates.”

“Internet & home based retail businesses are destroying the retail sector in conjunction with high rents and raised cost of living, as well as low cost imports from overseas. The manufacturer to wholesaler to retailer to customer structure in non-existent anymore. Now it is manufacturer to customer.”

“So much money raised for charity in this town, but limited business capacity building or business stimulus. Business owners here are tired of doing everything to fight on, with no tangible support from Government or large corporations.”

SECTION FIFTEEN/

STUDY CONSTRAINTS The following limitations/constraints were experienced:

1. The study was conducted over November to February, traditionally a busy time for SME’s, and may have resulted in less responses than an alternative time of year.

2. The inability to determine the number of businesses operating in Gladstone, which restricted the survey being able to represent the whole business population.

3. There was an opportunity for bias in the survey results due to the direct distribution of the survey through membership data base of the three (3) identified peak business organisations and indirect distribution through the local media, social media and verbal promotion.

4. The surveys that were incomplete due to a number of questions being missed or skipped by respondents.

5. The reliability of the information that the respondents provided (respondents may not wish to reveal their true situation, or they may have been responding on behalf of an owner).

6. The 2016 survey compared cross analysis data over the Construction and Health Care and Social Assistance industry sectors. The percentage of businesses in these sectors was too low to conduct cross analysis in the 2018 survey.

7. In relation to the industry sector breakdowns, only the ‘retail trade’ and the ‘professional, scientific and technical services’ were used due to the figures being too small to dissect in the other sectors.

8. Analysis across industry sectors, size of business, establishment and membership were highlighted where there was a difference between the overall percentage and the percentage of the specific group.

9. The survey was an online tool only which may have restricted potential respondents.

10. The author has not drawn any conclusions on the data provided as it is relevant for each business sector to determine the meaning of the data, based on their perspective.

11. In all three studies (2014, 2016, 2018) the economic environment within the Gladstone Region has been significantly different.

12. The Information Technology questions have been included for the first time in 2018 and have been aligned with the Information Technology questions asked in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s Digital Readiness Survey 2015 survey. Comparison should be undertaken with careful consideration, due to the three year time frame involved in these studies.

DISCLAIMER: This document has been prepared by Amarna Pty Ltd on behalf of Gladstone Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc. from information provided by the business community as part of the ‘Boom Bust Recharge’ Gladstone Region Business Survey. Our procedures do not necessarily include confirmation or validation procedures of that information. This document is provided to the client for its exclusive use and benefit only, no other party should rely on it for inferences or forecasts made therein. Amarna Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility to such parties and no responsibility can be accepted by Amarna Pty Ltd for eventual outcomes.

To become a member or find out more information contact us:

P (07) 4978 7800 E [email protected] W www.gcci.com.au

Gladstone Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. would like to acknowledge and thank the following organisations for support and commitment.

This support was instrumental in making the

‘Boom Bust Recharge’ Gladstone Region Business Study the largest ever undertaken in the Gladstone Region.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PRESIDENT S FOREWORD · 2020. 1. 30. · With technology changing at a rapid pace, GI will support...

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