Mt.Wolvi 378m. Mt. Pinbarren NP. Cooran Pomona Cooroy. Cooloolabin Dam. Yandina. Falls NP. Mapleton. Kondalilla NP Flaxton.

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1 SEPTEMBER WD only Mt.Wolvi 378m Coondoo 289m Lake Cooloola tsel 454m Mt. Pinbarren NP Kin Kin Boreen Lake Cootharaba Teewah Coloured Sands Teewah Cooran Pomona Cooroy Lake Cooroibah Lake MacDonald Tewantin Mt.Cooroy 427m Noosaville Lake Weyba Laguna Bay Noosa Heads Noosa NP Sunshine Beach Conducted by Boardroom Business Queensland, Australia Proudly sponsored by Sunshine Coast TAFE er Eumundi - Kenilworth Road Cooloolabin Dam Mapleton Falls NP Baroon Pocket Dam Maleny Mt.Eerwah 402m Yandina Wappa Dam Poona Lake Mooloolah Mt.Mellum 406m Mt. Coochin Mt.Beerwah 556m NP Coonowrin Ngungun Eumundi Mapleton Nambour Kondalilla NP Flaxton Montville Eudlo Ewan Dularcha NP Maddock Dam s House Mountains Bli Bli Coochin Creek SUNSHINE COAST MWY Buderim Glenview Landsborough Beerwah Mooloolah River NP Currimundi Lake Pumicestone Passage Peregian Beach Coolum Beach Marcoola Sunshine Coast Airport Mudjimba Island Maroochydore Alexandra Headland Mooloolaba Kawana Waters Caloundra Coral Sea CORAL SEA

2 Business Confidence is a unique barometer of economic activity. It is the measurement of what businesses THINK is going to happen in the future. Therefore business confidence reports are one of the few forward projecting data sets available to the business community. This kind of information will inform businesses as they undertake and review strategies for growth. It is a great initiative by the Boardroom Business team to better inform the local business community and Council, to assist everyone in responding to economic conditions. Cr Lew Brennan Economic Development Portfolio Leader Business Confidence reports are however, one of many sources of information available to businesses. Because of the uncertainty involved it is highly recommended that a variety of information sources be utilised by both the business community and policy makers for decision-making. Boardroom Business, in partnership with the many business and government organisations on the Sunshine Coast, set about to understand confidence levels over time and created this series of Coast-wide surveys. The objective was to assist local businesses in their decisionmaking by understanding LOCAL data and information. Businesses therefore do not have to solely rely on national data, or the media, for information on business confidence levels. This survey was sponsored by the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE and we would like to thank them for supporting this initiative. We wish to especially thank the many businesses that spent the time participating in the survey and answering the questions. 1 Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 1

3 Survey Methodology The survey was designed and executed to capture business responses within the Sunshine Coast regional shire boundaries. The questions were designed to be able to benchmark the Sunshine Coast region against other regions over a period time. Opening on Thursday September 1st 2011 and closing on Tuesday September 27th 2011 the survey was distributed to over addresses and via established business networks. Conducted online, the survey allowed for anonymous participation and consisted of 12 questions. The questions were short and simple and took on average 5 minutes to complete. The last question asked if the respondent wished to leave their address for purposes of alerts regarding the release of the results. The privacy of all respondents will be maintained at all times. Additional questions were added to the survey series to focus on important industry sectors or regions across the Coast. For this survey we chose to focus on local supply and customer issues, as well as continuing our questions on the effects of major national and international trends on our local business community. Number of Respondents There were 493 responses to the survey This report was made public on October 27th There were 493 responses to the survey This report was made public on Oct 27th Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 2

4 QUESTION ONE Industry sectors Which industry do you belong to? Using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industry Classification codes (ANZSIC) for purposes of national comparisons. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services - 17% Retail Trade - 12% Accommodation and Food Services - 10% Information Media and Telecommunications - 8% Construction - 8% Financial and Insurance Services - 7% Manufacturing - 7% Health Care and Social Assistance - 6% Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services - 6% Arts and Recreation Services - 5% Education and Training - 4% Wholesale Trade - 3% Transport, Postal and Warehousing - 2% Administrative and Support Services - 2% Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing - 2% Electricity, Gas and Water Supply - 2% Public Administration and Safety - 1% Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () The majority of respondents came from businesses operating in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector, as well as those involved in Retail Trade and Accommodation and Food Services. I get the information from the survey and it helps analyse where my business actually is. I use the demographic analysis to chunk down my business. It deep dives into the demographic analysis and tells me what is happening in my area. Maybe what is happening to me is happening to everyone in my area and I can see this in the Business Confidence Survey. I can give the information to head office and demonstrate what is happening geographically. Vicki Clark CEO of ANZ local retail banking Sunshine Coast on the Business Confidence Survey Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 33

5 QUESTION TWO Regional responses across the coast In which region do you primarily operate your business from? Responses % Maroochydore % Noosaville % Sunshine Coast Wide % Caloundra % Kawana Waters % Mooloolaba % Buderim % Noosa Heads % Nambour % Cooroy % Eumundi % Other areas in Queensland / National / International % Kunda Park % Marcoola Beach % Coolum 9 1.8% Sippy Downs 9 1.8% Sunshine/Sunrise Beach 9 1.8% Tewantin 7 1.4% Beerwah 5 1.0% Gympie 5 1.0% Maleny 5 1.0% Minyama 4 0.8% Montville 4 0.8% Yandina 4 0.8% Cotton Tree 3 0.6% Doonan 3 0.6% Peregian Beach 3 0.6% Alexandra Headland 2 0.4% Eudlo 2 0.4% Forest Glen 2 0.4% Glasshouse Mountains 2 0.4% Kenilworth 2 0.4% Bli Bli 1 0.2% Landsborough 1 0.2% Mapleton 1 0.2% Palmwoods 1 0.2% Pomona 1 0.2% TOTAL % Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 44

6 QUESTION THREE General business confidence How has your business / organisation performed? General Business Confidence Much Weaker Somewhat Weaker A) How has your business performed over the LAST 6 months relative to the previous 6 months? B) How do you believe your business will perform in the NEXT 6 months compared with the last 6 months? About the Same Somewhat Stronger Much stronger 18% 28% 27% 23% 4% 8% 18% 34% 30% 8% Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () A small proportion of respondents left part B blank, therefore the remaining percentage for question B (2%) is due to that factor. The graph below compares the two questions and highlights that Business conditions have been particularly challenging over the last six months, as the Australian economy deals with an accelerating resources sector that is trying to capitalise on rising commodity prices versus a non-mining sector that is becoming increasingly squeezed. Darryl Conroy, Financial Markets Analyst at Suncorp Bank For further economic commentary from Darryl Conroy, please turn to pages 13 and % 35% Number of Responses 30% 25% 20% 15% Last 6 months Next 6 months 10% 5% 0% Much weaker Somewhat weaker About the same Somewhat stronger Much stronger Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 5

7 QUESTION FOUR Confidence indicators In your business / organisation do you expect an increase, decrease or no change over the next 6 months in the following areas? Area Significant decrease Slight decrease No change Slight increase Significant increase Profitability 14% 22% 24% 31% 8% Staffing Levels 8% 19% 56% 14% 2% Capital Investment 14% 11% 55% 16% 2% Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Note: A small percentage of answers from each section were left blank. See page 16 of this report for confidence indicator trends over time All businesses go through cycles of growth, stability and decline and it is often only in difficult times that businesses look at their structures, their costs, their planning and how their markets are behaving. Businesses need to undertake strategies to make themselves more resilient - to work through all the cycles of business environments to generally have a long term future. Ross Hepworth Institute Director, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 6

8 QUESTION FIVE Impact of major national and international issues on local business For each survey we have been focusing on a specific topic that is important to the local business community. For this survey we are focusing on the effect of major national and international issues on our local business community. How do you rate the following international and national developments or trends as they apply to your business? Availability and retention of skilled staff Upcoming State and/or Local Government elections Fuel price trends Social media Sustainable technologies Carbon Tax Online retail trading Australian dollar 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Major Threat Minor Threat Neither Threat or Opportunity Minor Opportunity Major Opportunity Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey (). As the table above shows, there are specific high profile threats facing Coast businesses. The Carbon Tax is still creating a lot of uncertainty among business operators. 59% stated that the new tax will be a threat with 29% stating it will be a major threat. Interestingly, Question 11 (on page 11 of this report) shows 29% of respondents stating that the Carbon Tax is already constraining growth of their businesses before it is even introduced. The high percentage of respondents (61%) who stated that high Fuel Price Trends are a threat demonstrate just how reliant we are on fossil fuel to generate business. One of the Governments aims of the Carbon Tax is to create innovation and investment in clean energy, it will be interesting to see if Coast businesses will take up that challenge in the long run given this high dependency. Relatively equal numbers of respondents see the Upcoming State / Local Government Elections as both a threat and an opportunity; 28% see an opportunity and 26% see a threat. With 29% of respondents in Question 11 of the survey (page 11) also stating that Problems with local or state government planning regulations were constraining growth of their businesses, there are real challenges for our political leaders to connect with businesses to address that dissatisfaction with government performance and regulations. Almost a third of businesses responding indicated that the Availability and Retention of Skilled Staff was a threat. The Federal Government has forecast another 65,000 jobs will be created in the mining sector by 2015 as well as another 45,000 construction jobs. A statement from BHP Billiton in has predicted Australia s resources industry will need an extra 170,000 workers in the next five years, underlining the jobs bonanza set to hit mining states but threatening job supply to regions such as ours. On a positive note was the 31% of respondents who saw Sustainable Technology as an opportunity for their businesses. Consumers are becoming more aware of Sustainable Technology and are increasingly directing their purchasing power towards goods and services that demonstrate environmental sustainability. Those who can promote clean and green credentials can open up greater business potential, and even reduce cost or increase revenue. There was a decrease in the number of businesses that saw Online Retail Trading as a threat, down from 39% last survey to 20% this survey. The High Australian Dollar remained a concern for 43% of businesses who responded, remaining steady from last survey. Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 77

9 QUESTION SIX Are there any other major national or international threats or opportunities you would like to add, including any further comments? There were an additional 198 responses / comments to this question. A common theme surrounding the majority of responses was a lack of consumer confidence. The European debt situation was mentioned numerous times, with many Coast businesses fearing exposure to the situation and also fearing the uncertainty itself. A lack of confidence in all levels of Government was mentioned on numerous occasions, with many feeling that leadership was lacking. Of the opportunities, there were several mentions of businesses (not involved in mining) looking to Asia for growth. The Asian Development Bank estimates that the escalating Asian middle class will account for more than 40 per cent of global consumption by While many early adopters have been trail blazing over the past couple of decades, as they invest and expand in Asian markets, it appears more and more obvious that these markets will present huge opportunities for Australia. This will not only be in consumer goods but may also present opportunities for many service providers on the Coast willing to investigate these markets. 1 Haruhiko Kuroda, President of the Australian Development Bank at an address in August 2011 in Sydney Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 8

10 QUESTION SEVEN In what area do the majority of your suppliers operate from? Sunshine Coast % Interstate 88 18% The rest of Queensland (not including Sunshine Coast) 74 15% Overseas 33 7% left blank 4 1% % QUESTION EIGHT If you use a large proportion of suppliers located outside the Sunshine Coast, would you explain why you use these suppliers? Participants could select more than one answer to this question. Not applicable as I use mostly local suppliers % No local supplies / suppliers available % Range of Products 89 16% Cost / price 65 12% Quality 35 6% Location 14 2% Other 20 4% 0% Total % The majority of Coast businesses are using other local businesses for the bulk of their purchases, where possible. However, the fact that only 59% of businesses stated that they sourced goods and services locally may present on opportunity for local suppliers to fill the void. In addition to the table above, reasons given for not using local suppliers were largely around the fact that many local businesses are tied in to franchise agreements that require the use of a certain supplier by all franchisors. Similarly, comments were also left explaining that some businesses were part of a larger buying group which allowed the business to obtain a better price and greater range of products and services outside the region. Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 9

11 QUESTION NINE In what area do the majority of your customers operate from? Responses % Sunshine Coast % The rest of Queensland 91 18% Interstate 56 11% Overseas 22 5% left blank 4 1% Total % A strong response of 64% demonstrates that most Sunshine Coast businesses derive the bulk of their income from Sunshine Coast locals. QUESTION TEN What would assist you in building a greater local customer base? There were over 300 responses to question 10 and it was great to see business owners and managers being positive in their suggestions. The theme of a lot of respondents included the need for more of a connection amongst Coast businesses and an awareness of what we all do in our businesses. Below are some selected responses: Better local business networking events. We need more businesses working together not against each other. Central business registry based on services. State Government decentralising some of their large govt. offices outside of Brisbane CBD. Upgrade Sunshine Coast Airport. The sea change migration to start again. Forums that allow us to interact with the local business community in a consultative way. Seminars, Infomercials, Special Interest Groups etc. Greater focus and promotion on the benefits and multiplier effect to our economy of customers/ business and local supporting/buying local - (ie regional containment is vitally important to the economic sustainability and growth of Sunshine Coast) More disposable income within the community. Lower commercial rents would enable the business to remain competitive. More money available to invest in marketing and creating a professional website, as well as learning more business skills at workshops. More staff with the right attitude. We have relied on Tourism/ Hospitality & Construction for many years and every downturn these are among the first industries to retract significantly. Diversification is crucial. Fewer competitors! Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 10

12 QUESTION ELEVEN Major constraints on business In your opinion, what are the major constraints on the growth of your business? Participants could select more than one answer to this question Responses Overall Percentage of Respondents Rising overheads and utility costs % 54% Global / national economic performance % 48% Price pressure from customers % 43% Price pressure from competitors % 43% Declining customer base % 37% Declining demand from customers % 37% Declining visitor numbers % 34% Problems with local or state Government planning regulations % 32% Australian dollar (new to this survey) % 29% Carbon tax (new to this survey) % 29% Rising transport costs % 27% Licensing and regulations % 27% Difficulties in obtaining finance / extending credit facilities % 25% Rising production costs % 19% Availability of skilled workers % 17% Price pressure from suppliers % 16% Increasing competition from low-cost imports % 15% Personal and/or home pressures % 13% Environmental catastrophes (oil slicks, hurricanes, flooding etc) % 11% Broadband and information technology access % 10% Transport infrastructure % 9% Limited supply of production materials and/or product % 6% Access to training % 4% Shortage of industrial / commercial land % 4% Reduced demand for exports % 3% Total % Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Please see page 17 of this report for Major Constraint trends over time. Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 11 11

13 QUESTION TWELVE Improvements to your business What would make a difference to the profitability or improvement of your business? With over 250 respondents to this question we received a wide variety of responses, with both consumer and business confidence being mentioned many times. Each survey businesses tell us that they are frustrated by negative media reporting on the weather and the economy, and this was once again prevalent. Naturally we can t list all of your responses in this one report, as many responses were quite detailed. However what we can do is share all of your responses with the various chambers of commerce, local and state government branches, and industry groups so that they can work with you on your ideas and initiatives. As you know, your responses are anonymous, therefore we appreciate your frank and forthright comments. This question we believe is an important one to continue in future surveys. If you have any comments on how best to improve this survey please don t hesitate in contacting us. Below are some examples of comments left for this question: An understanding from regulators that what they would like to happen is different from what happens in the real world. Better trained management and staff. Cheaper staff wages. Fine weather, less doomsday negative media coverage here and overseas. The word small business is often used by politicians as the engine room of the economy but nothing significant is ever done to support them. Less compliance/regulation from all levels of government. Lower interest rates and a renewed vigour in the property industry. More realistic pricing from competitors. Government purchasing giving preference to local companies that embrace sustainable practices. A daily flight out of Maroochydore to Sydney that gets business travellers on the ground by 8am and a return flight after 5.30pm. Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 12

14 Economic analysis The Times They Are A-Changin Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey - Economic Commentary by Darryl Conroy, Financial Markets Analyst with Suncorp Bank. This little ditty by Bob Dylan is a timely reminder that change is part and parcel of the world in which we live, but the challenge for most is that we face change on so many levels all at once! Political change Many of the developed economies of the world (US, Germany, Japan, Australia) have a minority government, which is stymieing their ability to effectively govern. And it s worse still for Northern African countries, who are experiencing revolutionary type change. Here on the Sunshine Coast, upcoming state elections and a minority federal government have many businesses unwilling to commit (investment and staff hiring) amid the possibility for big changes (carbon tax and industrial relations). Social change Social media is changing the way in which we communicate, and the instant nature of this communication is leading to time compression, eg London riots. Time compression also seems to be influencing the way we holiday, for instance taking shorter holidays. Economic change An overriding theme seems to be a power shift from the west to the east, which affects with whom we are likely to conduct business into the future - Asia. In more recent times, the financial crisis has ushered in a period of much change for the financial world, with implications for consumers and businesses alike. The financial crisis lingers on with some countries (Greece, Portugal, Italy, and Spain) on the brink of debt default and threatens to break-up the regions monetary union - the Euro. Darryl Conroy is a Financial Markets Analyst with Suncorp Bank in Brisbane. Darryl has over fifteen years experience in the field of finance and treasury. Darryl is Suncorp Bank s Financial Markets Analyst within the International Trade & Financial Market s team in Brisbane, and has been with Suncorp since Technological change Technology has exploded in the last few years and many businesses are now grappling with how to understand and adopt, ie internet trade. Climate change we are currently at the forefront of the climate change movement with the announcement of a carbon tax, which has implications for businesses and consumers. The business survey revealed a frustration in dealing with any level of government (red tape), but the regional council does appear to be ahead of the curve of many other regions in terms of sustainable growth, which is a positive differentiator for attracting tourists. On top of all of this, here in Australia, we are dealing with an economy that is enduring enormous structural change as a result of a one in one hundred and fifty year resources boom. This resources boom is dragging investment and people away from traditional businesses (like tourism, manufacturing, construction, and retail) and into the mining and energy sectors. As a consequence of all this change, consumers and businesses remain highly uncertain, preferring to put-off spending and investment decisions until a period of stability can be achieved. Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 13

15 Economic analysis The lingering question though, is how do we deal with what feels like extreme levels of uncertainty that undermines business and consumer confidence? Business conditions have been particularly challenging over the last six months, as the Australian economy deals with an accelerating resources sector that is trying to capitalise on rising commodity prices versus a non-mining sector that is becoming increasingly squeezed. We are suffering from Dutch Disease, that is, a booming resources sector draws ever increasing amounts of investment and people away from traditional businesses and toward the mining and energy industries. This concept is especially tough on economies like the Sunshine Coast that rely heavily upon retail, accommodation and construction business. Another traditionally strong sector that has fallen in recent times is the housing sector, with a drop in house prices and threats of rate rises affecting consumer confidence, and much weaker levels of building activity the construction industry. Consequently, the September Business Confidence Survey saw a weaker last 6 months. There was however, an improvement from April s survey. Once again, the next 6 months is expected to improve even further. Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 14

16 Time series analysis This is the eighth in the series of surveys covering the entire Sunshine Coast. Therefore, over time we can track business confidence levels. General business confidence trending over time Business Performance over LAST 6 months How has your business performed over the LAST 6 months relative to the previous 6 months? 100% 80% 60% 40% Weaker Same or Stronger 20% 0% Sep-11 Apr-11 Sep-10 Apr-10 Jan-10 Sep-09 Jun-09 Apr-09 Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Business Performance over NEXT 6 months How do you believe your business will perform in the NEXT 6 months compared with the last 6 months? 100% 80% 60% 40% Weaker Same or Stronger 20% 0% Sep-11 Apr-11 Sep-10 Apr-10 Jan-10 Sep-09 Jun-09 Apr-09 Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 15

17 Confidence Indicators In your business / organisation do you expect an increase, decrease or no change over the next 6 months in the following areas? Profitability 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% Decrease No change/increase 0% Sep-11 Apr-11 Sep-10 Apr-10 Jan-10 Sep-09 Jun-09 Apr-09 Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Staffing Levels 100% 80% 60% 40% Decrease No change/increase 20% 0% Sep-11 Apr-11 Sep-10 Apr-10 Jan-10 Sep-09 Jun-09 Apr-09 Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Capital investment 100% 80% 60% 40% Decrease No change/increase 20% 0% Sep-11 Apr-11 Sep-10 Apr-10 Jan-10 Sep-09 Jun-09 Apr-09 Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 16

18 Top 5 Major Business Constraints trending over time In your opinion, what are the major constraints on the growth of your business? Sept 11 April 11 Sept 10 Rising overheads and utility costs Raising overheads and utility costs Rising overheads and utility costs Global / national economic performance Price pressure from customers Global / national economic performance Price pressure from customers Price pressure from competitors Price pressures from customers Price pressure from competitors Global/National economic performance Price pressures from competitors Declining customer base Rising transport costs Problems with local or State Government planning regulations April 10 Jan 10 Sept 09 June 09 Global / national economic performance Rising overheads and utility costs Price pressure from customers Global / national economic performance Rising overheads and utility costs Price pressure from competitors Rising overheads and utility costs Rising overheads and utility costs Declining visitor numbers Price pressure from customers Price pressure from competitors Price pressure from customers Price pressure from competitors Global / national economic performance Global / national economic performance Price pressure from competitors Price pressure from customers Problems with local or state Government planning regulations Declining demand from customers Declining customer base Source: Boardroom Business (2011) Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey () Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 17

19 Acknowledgements The Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE are the naming right sponsor for this current survey series. Without their support this report would not be possible. A big thank you to the entire TAFE team! In addition to the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE, we would like to sincerely thank the following for their support: Sunshine Coast Regional Council Suncorp Bank Sunshine Coast Destinations Ltd Discover Maroochy Caloundra Tourism Tourism Noosa Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce Noosa Chamber of Commerce Cooroy Chamber of Commerce Coolum Business and Tourism Caloundra Chamber of Commerce Eumundi Chamber of Commerce Kawana Waters Chamber of Commerce Mooloolaba Business & Tourism Nambour District Chamber of Commerce Peregian Beach Business Association Yandina Chamber of Commerce Sunshine Coast Daily The Noosa Journal Noosa News Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Sunshine Coast Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast Business Women s Network Urban Development Institute of Australia SurfAir on Marcoola Beach Corporate and Group Xperiences If you are involved in a business organisation on the Sunshine Coast, and interested in supporting the survey, we would like to hear from you. CONTACT US: info@boardroombusiness.com.au Copyright All Rights Reserved Legal Disclaimer This report provides information designed to help users cope with their own business, financial, legal and other needs. This information is not the same as retaining experts in those fields for advice. Although we go to great lengths to ensure the information is accurate, we strongly recommend you consult an expert, including but not limited to an accountant, financial services consultant, lawyer or other professional as appropriate. Nothing contained in this report is to be considered as the rendering of financial, professional, legal or other advice for specific cases, and users are responsible for obtaining such advice from their own financial, legal or other counsel. The information contained in this report is intended for educational, background and informational purposes only. Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Page 18

20 Want to find out more? If you would like to get involved in our confidence survey you can subscribe online to receive the alerts and be amongst the first to download the results. You may also like to contribute your comments on our Boardroom Blog and tell us what you think about the survey and/or general business confidence in our region. Go to SUNSHINE COAST BUSINESS CONFIDENCE SURVEY This report has been produced by Boardroom Business in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Business Community. Yandina Chamber of Commerce 19