Small and medium business (SMB) confidence is sitting at its highest level since March 2010, according to the latest Sensis Business Index survey.
Sensis chief executive officer, John Allan said “Businesses closed out 2016 on a high, with confidence up seven points for the year and expectations that 2017 will be even stronger. While business owners again felt optimistic about their own specific business strengths, it was the improvement in the perceptions of the economy which really drove confidence higher this quarter.”
The Index, which reflects the views of 1,000 small and medium businesses from across Australia, revealed that more than four times as many SMBs (61 percent) are now feeling confident, as those who are worried (15 percent).
The latest survey shows an eight point rise to +46 on a net basis. There were confidence gains everywhere except for Tasmania – down 14 points to +38. NSW is again the most confident location on +54, while the Northern Territory is again on the bottom, despite a seven point rise to +16.
“The national improvement in confidence was primarily driven by businesses in the east coast states. The story in Western Australia and the Northern Territory was very different with businesses there still adjusting to the conditions in the resource sector, although the situation has improved somewhat this quarter,” said Allan.
Confidence among SMBs in the capital cities rose 14 points to +49, while regional confidence fell two points to +41. The 16 point reversal means metropolitan SMBs are now more confident.
Perceptions of the current state of the economy have moved into positive territory, jumping 11 points to +3, which is the best result since December 2013.
The federal government’s approval rating did not move this quarter, remaining on +2, although it finished the year down five points compared to the same period in 2015.
“The number of businesses worried about excessive bureaucracy and red tape was up this survey and these are the key issues the government needs to address if it is to win over more business owners this year,” said Allan.
Confidence in the policies of state and territory governments was the same or better everywhere except for the ACT. Despite this only the Tasmanian, Northern Territory and NSW governments have a positive rating, with the Queensland and South Australian governments still lagging well behind.
In the last survey of each year the Index also looks at expectations for the year ahead. Businesses expect all of the key indicators – sales, employment, wages, prices and profitability – to remain positive, with strong results anticipated for sales and profitability in particular.
“The capital expenditure result was up nine points this year and now sits in positive territory, with businesses also reporting easier access to finance this quarter. These conditions should help foster growth in jobs and the economy in 2017,” said Allan.
